When Your Job is Your Job Search
By
Theodore “The Wisdom Man” Henderson
Best Selling Author, Certified Career & Business Adviser, Entrepreneur
Common Sense Job Hunting Tips
Are you a new college graduate and planning to look for a job? Perhaps you recently quit your job and are looking for a better situation? Are you out of work and have little experience or knowledge regarding ways to get another job? Whatever your situation may be, it would be to your advantage to study the following free common sense tips:
Check Your Resume for Errors
Before submitting your resume to a prospective employer, check your resume for corrections and grammar mistakes at least three times before handing it over. After researching the job posting, it is critical that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. In other words be specific. For example, if you are applying for a sales job, you should put in detail your relevant sales experience on your resume. Typographical and grammatical errors are a huge no-no. It is also ideal to keep the length of the resume to at least a page and a half long and for the average person no more than two pages.
Taking The Interview As a Serious Matter
As a certified career adviser and former corporate manager I can tell you first hand that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Actually some of the mistakes they made were of the “easily avoidable” type such as: arriving late, having little or no knowledge about the company or the position applied for, and having a superiority complex, being self absorbed, and behaving in an arrogant manner. The body language of an applicant should denote that he or she is confident yet not overpowering. They should maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake, and avoid looking defensive or lacking in confidence by acts such as crossing their arms. Wearing the right clothing is crucial for projecting a confident stance. As they say, it is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed. As a man it is easier for me to take my tie and jacket off in a casual environment than to arrive and need one!
Answer Questions Intelligently
One mistake I see interviewees make quite often is they tend to get tense and forget the questions asked of them, which has the effect of not seeming prepared for the interview. As a career adviser I focus with my client on how not to let this happen. It is important to research both the company and the position applied for to prevent being “thrown” during the interview. If you do not know the answer to the questions being asked, it is better to admit you don’t know and add that you will research it and get back with an answer. Look for the skills or expertise the company desires so when the interview comes and the interviewer asks about your strengths and key skills, you will be able to match their needs.
Have The Right Referrals Ready
A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and for some very large firms in the thousands. Usually 30% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by referrals and this figure may be higher in challenging economic times. The odds of getting hired when you have a good referral go up dramatically. Having a referral from a company employee can go a long way toward landing an interview. If you do not know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, then get started networking. Reach out to the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having a quality referral greatly increases your chances of getting the position.
The Dreaded Online Application Process
There is no way around it. With the current technology trend and its integration with business processes, more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their application online even if they did not come to the company’s attention in that manner. Therefore, e-mails regarding your job application should be very polished and articulate. When applying on-line, use the following tips:
* Use complete sentences and do not abbreviate.
Employers generally frown upon receiving application letters that seem to be too casual. You want to make a letter that is both formal and well written. This will give a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills.
* Don’t drag on
When writing an application letter, you must be short and focused on the issue at hand. Save the longer introduction for a phone or face-face interview. If not chances are the potential employer will just get irritated with you and this only reduces your chances of getting hired.
* Keep perspective
Getting the job you want may be a challenge but never lose hope or get down on yourself. It is much better to have a strategy and be patient until you get the job you want rather than getting a job quickly but ending up dissatisfied. Make informed decisions then act on them.
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