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.
When you want a job, make certain you go to the interview dressed nicely, whatever the position. You’ll be viewed as more qualified if you dress properly. You don’t want to overdo it, but you do want to dress appropriately, even if you’re just returning your application and your resume.
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.
Make certain that you bring a list of your references with you on the day of the interview if you did not already list them on your resume. This list will help the interviewer get an idea of the person you are, as your references should include names and telephone numbers for follow-up.
If there is a particular company you are interested in working for, do not hesitate to contact them directly to see what they have available. There may be some jobs available that they have not had to chance to publicly advertise for. Getting in contact with them right away can give you a bit of an advantage.
When negotiating salary, never sell yourself short. Prepare yourself for this step by conducting extensive research on the job title, regional salary and other details of benefits before you enter into negotiations. If you are unaware of your worth relative to other candidates and workers, your salary may not reflect your true worth — possible to the tune of thousands of dollars per year!
Take advantage of your company’s financial benefits. Most companies will match their employees 401K accounts up to a certain amount, as part of their compensation package. To get the most that you can from your hard work you must use this tool. You not only get the money that they match, but you also get the added interest that it will earn.
Use social media along with your resume if possible. Social media has become very integral to many different companies and organizations, and having that skill set – even if solely from a personal posting standpoint – can help you land a position as it shows you potentially have the know-how.
Don’t lie on your resume about your skill sets. You may feel like you need to stretch the truth to open doors, but more often than not your lack of the skills, in reality, will be found out pretty easily by a savvy interviewer. Instead, teach yourself the skills you need to know to make you more attractive to hiring companies.
Sarcasm and cynicism have no place in a job interview. While many people use these tones as a means of breaking the ice or establishing rapport, neither sentiment is particularly effective in a professional context. Potential employers are more interested in the ability to communicate with others in a positive, encouraging and supportive manner. A negative tone may also come across as indicative of someone who holds grudges and is prone to conflict.
You should create an email that reflects your job interests when searching for a job. Avoid using personal email addresses that sound too laid back. For example, “eagerplumber5555” sounds a lot better than “sexyhotguy88.” You want people to think of you as a strong professional, not someone that is looking to goof off.
As tempting as it may be to create an ornate resume, keep it as professional as you can. Do not use colored paper or a different type of font thinking that it may stand out. This will come across as too flashy, as companies will simply toss these to the side.
The quickest way to find jobs online is to use a job search engine. This type of site indexes all the major job boards, allowing you to search them all at the same time. I highly recommend Indeed.com as it found my husband the job of his dreams!
Set aside money for your job search. People do not realize how pricy it can get to search for a job. If you have a car, you will need money for gas. Also, when you are out job hunting all day, you will want some money to grab a bit to eat.
Dress for success. For better or worse, your appearance is the first impression you will make on your interviewer. Make sure you dress appropriately, and are neatly groomed. It is better to risk being over-dressed than to risk appearing too casual. Whenever possible, avoid wearing any jeans, shorts, or t-shirts.
Get to the interview 10 minutes before the appointed time. This will help you center yourself before the interview and show you’re serious about the position. There is absolutely no reason for you to be even 5 minutes late. If you are late, have a really good explanation ready before you let the interview continue.
Older job seekers benefit by being involved in professional social media. Be sure to set up a LinkedIn account or something similar and create a solid professional profile. Add this link to your resume so that your potential employers can check out your computer and social media skills. Understanding this type of networking is a valuable skill.
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!
