Looking for a job is like torture, but it has to be done. Unfortunatly, a winning lottery ticket isn't guaranteed to any of us, and we do like being able to turn on the lights when we get home - so, we are forced to work.
After you've sent out about 1000 applications and resumes, you finally start getting responses. Here are some tips to help make sure you make the most of the responses you do receive:
Make a list of the positions and the companies that you applied for - you don't want to be remembered as the person who said " Who is this calling? What was the job for??" You're not going to fare well when compared to the person who enthusiatically answers the phone and says "Oh, I've been waiting for you to call...."
Answer the phone! It's sad but true that a lot of people miss it when opportunity knocks. If you live with a relative who can't take messages when you aren't available, don't take a chance - either collect all calls on your cell phone and keep the ringer turned up - or take the chance that you miss the opportunity to schedule a face to face appointment for your dream job - when applicants are called to set up interviews - its first come, first served. I was in the middle of a 4th of July party when I got my high school job, but I wasn't too busy to accept the offer.
Turn off the television and the stereo - you need to concentrate on what's being asked of you. If you can't arrange a better time to talk to the recruiter, suck it up and find the nearest closet and get a flashlight to hit all of the highlights of your resume. We've all been there, so don't be embarassed. You may not get another chance to prove how spectacular you are - so put your best foot forward, put yourself out there and get that job!
Do a dry run - practice driving to the interview location - please don't get lost on the way to the meeting - one time I was interviewing for a job in Indiana, and I took the Skyway. The drive was punctuated by a flash flood that cajused the State Police to close the Skyway. When I got to the location, which was about forty miles away, there was NO sign that it had ever rained. My pantyhose (yeah, this was a while ago) were drenched and I looked like I had been caught in the rain, but I was early so I had time to straighten up. The manager who interviewed me was so impressed when she got home and saw the devastation the storm had caused tha she offered me the job the next day.
Listen to a friend - I have a group of friends who read my resumes, help me select my suits, and make suggestions on my jewelry and shoes. I'm too conservative left to my own devices, but they challenge me to take chances and to make my look pop - nobody knows everything - you need a second and sometimes a third opinion to prepare for an important day.
In these economic times, this is no time for foot soldiers - you need generals - this is war. Put on your gear and make that paper!
No comments:
Post a Comment