Getting a J-O-B: Putting Your Best Foot Forward

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“Be a yardstick of quality.  Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” – Steve Jobs

Hello there, friends!
 
It’s no big surprise when we hear that people are having a difficult time finding work these days. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find a career that I’m totally in love with AND utilizes the skills that I’ve picked up along the way.  I’ll be the first to admit – it wasn’t easy!  I had a string of totally unrelated jobs before I found one that I actually like – and I couldn’t do it without tons of hard work, dedication, and a great support system.
 
One of these random stints included a position in human resources.  The tidbits of information below are based on my past experience in this field – some of which I think aren’t really considered by many job seekers. I’m hoping that it will help those of you that are feeling a little down ‘n out about your current job search:

• Research the company that you are interested in.  We are in the age of technology – use it!  Look up the company on the web and peruse their site.   What is their mission statement or policies?  Who is their CEO?  What have they accomplished in the past, and most recently?  Learn about them from the inside-out!  It seems pretty annoying, but it definitely helps in writing your resume/cover letter and answering those tricky questions during an interview.    
• Have a well-written and professional resume.  This one seems like a given, but you’d be surprised at some of the resumes that people send!  If you’re not a great writer, it may help to hire some outside help or ask a smart friend or relative.  Yes, I said smart!  Someone who is articulate and can write comprehensive sentences.  If you’re writing your own resume, ask this smart friend/relative to proofread it for spelling and grammar errors.  Readers, please:  DO NOT skip this step.  I repeat:  DO NOT SKIP PROOFREADING.  Asking someone else will help you see the errors that you probably missed. I once saw a resume that he/she wanted a job in “pubic relations.”  Another addressed a cover letter to “Mr. Brain Frieze.”  I mean, really?  Needless to say, these minor (yet major) errors caused these applicants to be filed under “No Thanks!”  Why would an employer hire someone who didn’t even care to spell a name correctly?  Always proofread!  (Always!)  
• Dress for success – EVERY DAY.  Every day!  You don’t have to wear a suit and tie on your daily coffee or grocery run, but try to look your best at all times.  If you’re currently out of work or looking to change careers, you never know who you will run into that can lead you to a fantastic opportunity.   It might also help to wear clothes that reflects the job that you’re pursuing.  An added bonus:  it’ll make you feel great! Looking like you just rolled out of bed with last night’s dinner on your mouth or clothes will not attract potential employers.  
• Be prepared for interviews.  Looking your best is especially important for interviews. Keep your clothes conservative, make sure they’re ironed, and each piece matches.  Please stay away from bright or neon colors and super revealing short skirts or shirts.  Guys, wear a tie!  Ladies, avoid open-toed shoes.  It’s actually against some dress code policies,especially at huge corporations or agencies.  Also, be comfortable!  When buying interview clothes, try them on, walk in them, sit down in the dressing room and assess if this is appropriate for an interview.  It sounds silly, but the ability to move your arms or sitting without revealing the top of your tube socks will prevent sudden embarrassment, believe me.  If you can, purchase a portfolio or folder to put your paperwork (such as a hard copy of your resume) and bring working pens.  Nothing is worse than fumbling through a unorganized bag during an interview -and/or- pulling a copy of your folded resume out of your back pocket!  Just don’t do it to yourself.  (P.S. – Invest in some dress socks…)
•  Have references available.  Friends are great as personal references, but having professional references (namely former employers and/or colleagues) are extremely important.  Always ask someone before you use them as a reference – this way, they’d be on the look out for a phone call or e-mail.  Also, it’s just the right thing to do!  Make sure you have their contact information (job title included) before you send your resume to a potential employer or prior to an interview.  If requested, you’ll have their information readily available.  (Students: Don’t hesitate to ask former/current professors!)
• Stand out.  While you’re looking for work or that new career, build your resume!  You can volunteer at a company that is relative to your field or get a certificate that would improve your skills. You are up against many, many, MANY people out there – being a memorable applicant is key.  If you can swing it, go back to school!  Why not?  Life is too short to settle.    
• Don’t lose hope.  I know that looking for a job can be a daunting and tedious process.  If six or more months have gone by and you haven’t landed a gig, it may help to hire a headhunter, re-work your resume or consider a new plan of action.   Think positive, act positive and surround yourself with encouraging people.  Something will come up!  Even if it’s not your first choice, it may lead you to somewhere great, or, at the very least, be a temporary fix while you still look for that perfect job of yours. 

xoxo andrea