Network – It’s important to note that not all jobs are advertised online or in the papers. Some employers prefer using recruiting agencies, some prefer employee recommendations, and some even utilize social media sites exclusively.
This is where your networking skills and tools come in handy. Find out what others in your field are doing and who’s hiring. Then let your network know you’re looking and see who you know who might be able to help you learn more. Utilize resources like college career centers and alumni organizations as well to increase your chances.
Pick up the phone – Some Human Resource experts recommend calling companies or even visiting companies and asking about their openings in person. The point is don’t just rely on advertisements and blindly sending out your resume. You have to be a little more creative in a tougher job market to get your foot in the door.
If you do decide to visit any offices, remember to be nice to the employees at the front desk and in human resources. These professionals work side-by-side with hiring managers, and experts suggest that you just might be surprised at how much weight their opinions hold with the company.
Keep it simple – Experts say that a major mistake job hunters make is overdoing their resume. Companies aren’t interested in a detailed list of everything you’ve ever done at every job you’ve had throughout your entire work history. Instead, streamline your resume by listing your accomplishments and quantifying your success in terms of dollars earned or customers retained for the company. Industry insiders suggest that it’s generally better to keep your resume no longer than two pages, and to avoid cutesy fonts, graphics, and colored paper.
Get the facts – Take the time to research the company and tailor your resume to fit the job description of each job you’re looking to fill, but be sure that what you write matches up with what you intend to say in the interview. Your resume should serve as a kind of personal brochure that tells your story quickly and concisely – and complements your discussion during the interview.
Prepare, prepare, prepare – One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make, according to the experts, is not preparing for the interview. So before you walk into your interview make sure you’ve reviewed the specific job responsibilities and that you are prepared to talk not just about your experience, but about how your experience will help you fulfill those responsibilities. You may even want to consider trying a practice interview with a friend who can offer advice on your answers to standard interview questions like, “What is your biggest weakness?” or “Why should I hire you?”
Look professional – Dress appropriately, make sure you’re well groomed, and don’t smoke or chew gum. You’ll also want to make sure your body doesn’t create a barrier between you and the interviewer, so don’t cross your arms or legs while talking and listening
Ron Siegel counsels clients in all matters Debt: Mortgage, Loss Mitigation / Loan Modification, Debt Settlement, Credit Repair. Reach on Ron Siegel at Ron@MBEhoa.com or 800.306.9130