Are you a new graduate and starting to look for a job? Or did you just recently quit your job to look for greener pastures? Or maybe you are unemployed with little experience in ways to find a job? Whatever your situation might be, it would be good for you to study the following hot tips:

Make sure your resume has no mistakes

Before you submit your resume to a possible employer, check your resume at least three times for any mistakes before handing it over or sending it in.  After you research the job position, it is important that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you should detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typo’s and grammar errors are serious no-no’s. It is also good to keep the length of the resume’ to at least a page and a half long if possible.   

Meeting the interview challenge

In a survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm in California with 1,400 chief financial officers, it stated that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes they made included: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and the position applied for, as well as acting superior and arrogant. Body language of the applicant must show that he is confident but not overpowering. He should maintain eye contact, have a good, strong handshake, and avoid crossing the arms in a defensive manner. Wearing the right clothes is crucial for projecting confidence. It is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.

Answer questions confidently

A common mistake of interviewees is that they tense up and forget the questions that are given to them. This gives the impression that they are not prepared for the interview. It is important to do your research on the company and the position being applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If you don’t know the answer to the question, it is better to admit you don’t know and add that you can do some research on it. Know the skills or expertise that the company is looking for so that when asked about your strengths and core competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.        

Prepare the necessary references 

If you can give a referral from one of the company employees, this can go a long way toward landing an interview.  A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by personal referrals. The odds of getting hired when you have an inside  referral are much higher when there are another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you don’t know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to check the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having that personal referral greatly enhances your chance of getting the position. It is also good policy to ask people ahead of time whether they’d be willing to give you a reference so they are prepared.

Applications online

With current technology and the merging of business processes, more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their application online. In this way, first impressions are given not by your first appearance but by the quality and content of your e-mail. E-mails submitted for job applications should be polished and well-articulated. When applying on-line, use the following tips:

Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate. Employers do not like when you send them application letters that seem to be too casual. It is important to write a letter that is both formal and well written. This gives a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills. Get directly to the point when writing an application letter. You must be concise and straightforward. Do not put a story on the letter just to get the attention of the employer.  Chances are he or she will just get irritated with you and this will only reduce your chances of getting hired or winning the interview. 

Consider any issues that might hinder you from taking the job

There are instances where there is a lot of need for a job but the requirements for the position may entail training programs. That may prevent you from getting the position due to its highly competitive nature and the time required. Some positions will ask for a lot of experience. Some may have no barriers to entry but the job itself may entail a very routine work flow that might not suit your personality at all.

Most important of all

Never lose hope about getting the job you want. It may be a challenge. But also remember, it is better to wait a while and get the job that you will enjoy rather than get a job as soon as possible that may end up with dissatisfion and unhappiness. Make the right decision then act on it.  

Best of luck,

Dr. Kary