According to media reports, the economy and job market seem to be
improving for job-seekers. However, to benefit from these favorable
projections, you must have an effective job-seeking strategy and a
tightly focused approach to landing the job you desire. The employment
atmosphere in 2011 was somewhat different than it was a decade ago, and
you must strive to gain an advantage over others competing for the same
job. With job openings in short supply and countless applicants applying
for the same job, how do you outshine your competition?
The most important thing you (as a job-applicant) can do is to make yourself memorable. The key areas to focus on in your job search are:
Be friendly and jovial, but don't overdo it to the point that you seem juvenile. Highlight your personal traits, your passion and eagerness to learn, as well as your professional qualifications. This is especially important if your professional qualifications fall short of what they're looking for.
Though the forecast for the current job market may look grime on the surface, by evaluating your current talents, strengths and abilities, constructing a plan for success, polishing your communication skills and applying all that you learn, you can still land a great job in 2012.
The most important thing you (as a job-applicant) can do is to make yourself memorable. The key areas to focus on in your job search are:
Your Resume
Make sure you have a current, targeted resume which gives a detailed
outline of your objectives, professional skills and previous jobs-with
dates of employment and location of the companies. Also include
certifications and other acknowledgements and achievements that may be
pertinent to the position you're seeking. For example, if the job is in
an architectural firm and you hold a real estate license, include that
on your resume. It's a lateral field but architecture involves designing
and building, which makes your real estate knowledge highly desirable.
Be sure all of your resume information is complete. When you give vague
or incomplete information on your resume, hiring managers will assume
most of it is untrue. This can cause you to appear immature and
unprofessional... not to mention untrustworthy, and will greatly reduce
your chances of being considered for the position. If information is
omitted, you need to have a suitable explanation for the missing data.
References
Have a list of references already prepared so that if the hiring
manager asks for them you can provide them on the spot. Be sure and
contact your references beforehand to make them aware that they may be
contacted by a certain company or companies. This way, they'll be
prepared to discuss your strengths and abilities without being caught
off guard.
Punctuality
Arrive on time, or a bit early, to the interview. This is imperative
since it sets the tone for the interview process. If a hiring manager
has been forced to alter their schedule to accommodate your tardiness,
they won't be happy nor will they think too highly of you. If you're
late for the interview they'll assume it's a pattern that will carryover
into your employment with them.
Preparing for the interview:
Nailing an interview can be a complex feat, especially when you
factor in nerves. Overcoming nervousness in an interview is an age-old
chore that takes practice. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
Spend some time beforehand rehearsing a mock interview with a friend or
family member. You could even practice by yourself in a mirror. Take
note of your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. Look
at yourself from the interviewer's perspective and honestly assess
whether you'd be impressed if you were them.
Having the right look
For ages a business suit has been the preferred attire for an
interview. However, in the current social climate, you should dress
according to the type of job you're applying for and the kind of
business it is. If it's a professional office environment, naturally, a
business suit is appropriate. But if the job is in hospitality at an
elite but laid back country club or resort, you should tone down the
executive look a bit and tailor your style of clothing to the look that
would be appropriate for that particular industry. Obviously, always
dress neatly and be well-groomed. You want to look your best and look
professional, but you also want to look like you'll fit in.
During the interview
This is your time to shine. You may be one of many applicants that
day, so be prepared to convey to the interviewer why you'd be their best
choice. If your skills are an exact match for what they're looking for,
you really don't have to do too much over-selling of your skills.
However, if you're lacking in the skill set that they're looking for you
need to impress upon them as to why you believe your past experience
and current capabilities are equally useful. For example, if you're
applying for a retail sales position but you've never been in retail
before, you can spotlight your excellence in the sales position you held
previously even though it was in a different industry.
Don't hem
and haw when asked about your salary expectations. Be clear and concise
about what your desired salary is. This gives you an air of confidence
and security. However, keep in mind that to land the job it may be
necessary for you to let them know that for the right opportunity you
would accept a lower salary.Be friendly and jovial, but don't overdo it to the point that you seem juvenile. Highlight your personal traits, your passion and eagerness to learn, as well as your professional qualifications. This is especially important if your professional qualifications fall short of what they're looking for.
Though the forecast for the current job market may look grime on the surface, by evaluating your current talents, strengths and abilities, constructing a plan for success, polishing your communication skills and applying all that you learn, you can still land a great job in 2012.
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