If you are currently searching for a job – and we’re assuming you are, given that you’ve read this far! – you likely are feeling a variety of emotions. Excited, nervous, overwhelmed…these are all common emotions when we’re on the job market. The more you know about strategies that work, the better of a position you’ll be in.
Know how you will explain gaps in your work history. There are reasons anyone may have work gaps, and that is understandable. However, be ready to be asked about them during an interview and have an answer ready. That way, you look calm and prepared, as well as giving an answer you aren’t flustered about.
It is important to be better dressed for the job interview than what you would normally wear every day to work as you are trying to make a good impression. Just because this company does not require formal business attire, you should still impress the interviewer by dressing like the job is meant for you.
Questions should be prepared prior to your interview. At the conclusion of almost any job interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Questions about the atmosphere, type of work to be completed and anything else you want to know should be asked.
Don’t let your skills go to waste. Technology changes quickly, and business practices in various industries are always evolving. If you want to be current, you have to understand what is going on in the world around you. Workshops, conferences, lectures and industry events are excellent resources. It will be easier to find a good job if your skills are up-to-date or even superior to what the average candidate can do.
During your first week on the job, stay as late as you possibly can. This will show that you have a great work ethic and mean business. Furthermore, it serves to form a quality first impression with your co-workers and upper management that will be responsible for promoting you in the future.
Keep in touch with your former employers if you left in good standing. You never know if a job opening will come up in which you are qualified for. Keeping your established business network healthy will prevent you from being forgotten. In addition, it is easier for a former employer to give you a glowing recommendation if they remember you.
When you are applying to companies online and they respond to you, make sure that you get in touch with them immediately to set up an interview. Rarely will a company wait on you, as you will need to take the initiative to get this done. This will help to set yourself up for an interview and potentially your next long term job.
As silly as it may seem, be sure the email address, you use when applying for jobs is an appropriate one. Your current email address can be something cute or personal, but when you apply for a job, it does not make you look very professional. Most email providers offer free sign ups so it will not cost you anything to create a professional email address.
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.
Check out social media to find current job opportunities. Twitter and Facebook are sometimes the first or only place where a job will be advertised, so keep your eyes peeled. Check out the #jobs or #career hashtags daily to see what’s being advertised. Note that this isn’t always a good way to find local jobs, though.
Remember that a job interview allows both, you and the interviewer to get to know each other. View the interview as an opportunity to see whether you would like to work for this company instead of worrying about whether the interviewer will want to hire you. This new perspective will help you relax so that you can perform your best during the interview.
When answering questions on an interview, stay as direct and concise as possible. The interviewer will know if you do not understand something so try not to beat around the bush. Clear answers will show that you know what you are talking about and not making up answers on the spot.
A good finance tip you should know about if you’re self-employed is to always be on your toes when it comes to taxes. If you’re self-employed, you’ll want to set aside some money for taxes in the future. You don’t want to be hit with late fees or have to pay interest.
Know the name of the person you are sending your resume to. Don’t simply put “to whom it may concern”. That shows lazy thinking. It is much better to call the company and ask them who is going to be receiving your resume. This little touch can be what gets you that interview.
Don’t talk too much about what has happened in the past in your interview. Typically, an employer is most interested in what has occurred recently. In particular, talk about anything that you did at your last job that applies to the position you are interviewing for. You want the employer to clearly understand how you can help him or her to make money.
The quest to find meaningful and fulfilling employment can be a daunting one. But by reading this article, you are now in a much better position to achieve your employment goal! Your job in the next little bit will be to find a job – you’re on the road to having the tools you need to accomplish this feat!
