Job hunting sometimes seems like a career in and of itself. If you are dreading searching for any more jobs or going on any more interviews, don’t worry. Lots of people have the same anxieties that you do, but unlike you, they are not doing something about it. You, however, are reading this article, and that will give you an advantage when searching for jobs.
If you are confused as to what you should wear on your interview, always error on the side of caution. This means that you should always dress to impress, with professional attire. Not only will you look more presentable, but you will feel more in tune and confident when you meet your interviewer.
If your interview is in a location that you are not familiar with, make sure that you plan out your route in advance. There is enough stress that you will be under already, as you should know exactly where you are going to avoid any problems on the day of the interview.
Never wear strong fragrances when you are out looking for a job. Even if you find the scent to be quite pleasant, there is a chance that the hiring manager may have allergies or an aversion to the smell. It is best to smell like soap and lotions instead of cologne and perfume.
Go the extra mile to make things easier for your boss. For example, if you know that your boss likes to have coffee when he arrives in the morning it is a great gesture to ensure that a pot is ready when he usually arrives. Little things like that can decide how you are perceived by your boss.
Include a cover letter when you are applying for jobs. This should include some information about yourself and why you are fit for the position. Cover letters make things more personal for the job that you are applying for and separate you from the rest of the pack who just include resumes.
Try not to listen to all the press about the dwindling job market and how difficult it is to find a job. This will only seek to discourage you. There are plenty of companies out there and many are hiring. While there may be more people looking for jobs, that simply means that you need to improve your resume and interviewing skills in order to stand out. Think positively.
Your resume is just a fraction of the job finding process. It should always be updated and freshly printed. However, the resume by itself will not do the trick. Employers want workers that fit well within their workplace and can handle the different dynamics of the position. Take the time to think about your strengths and skills so you can draw attention to these things.
On whichever phone number you’re giving out on applications and your resume, don’t forget to have an answering machine. If a potential employer calls and you’re out at an interview, you’ll need to know who they were and how to reach them. Don’t forget to include a professional-sounding message, too.
Try to incorporate social media into your resume. Social media plays an important part in business marketing and networking, so demonstrate you have those skills.
Turn down the number of rings on the phone you use for job searching to five. This allows you plenty of time to get to the phone, but doesn’t have so many rings that potential employers will hang up before they get to the answering machine, causing you to lose out on an opportunity.
Try doing some role play before you go to a job interview. Have someone rehearse with you. Use general questions related to the industry and get yourself prepared. Keep your answers focused and to the point. This role play will help you make a better presentation of yourself and land the job of your dreams.
Check to make sure the references on your resume are current. It will not be good to have a potential employer call your references only to find out the information is not valid. Contact each person yourself to ensure you are including totally accurate contact information.
Take the time to write a quality cover letter before applying for a job. Your cover letter is a reflection of your communication and writing skills. Do your best to describe your experience in details, talk about your motivations and explain why you would be a good fit for the job.
Get help. There are numerous free or low cost services available that can help you obtain everything from career advice to resume writing. A good place to start your search for these services is your local library and Department of Labor. Look for applicable classes and workshops and sign up!
Now that you’ve read this article, job hunting shouldn’t seem so overwhelming anymore. Once you have the right information, you’re halfway to your goal! Now all you need to do is figure out what you want to try first and go for it. Good luck finding your next job!
