With the recessionary period, applying for a new job is none the easier. There are a lot of people also vying for that job that you have been looking for, so the competition is great. How to stand out above the competition and get the job is what you need to know. You can know how to, if you access an expert in job search, résumé and cover letter preparation, and job interviewing skills. You might have the educational background, skills and knowledge sets, work related experience, and wondering why I am not getting the job? Well, it just could be the approach that you are using.
Here are a few tips that will help you to move above the rest and get that perfect job.
Identify your skills and experiences:
You must identify the skills and experiences that you have as they relate to the job that you are applying. The question that you have to ask, is do I have these skills? Do I have the knowledge to perform the job? Having identified the skills and knowledge that you have within the context of the job, include them when responding to the job in your résumé and cover letter. What skills should I take into consideration? Identify your skills and experiences within the context of your past work experience and the position that you held, education and training, volunteering, and simply life’s skills.
Formatting your résumé:
This is critical to the organization and development of your résumé. You want your document to look professional and as if you have spent some time to details. You also want to show that you are detailed-oriented and organized. These are attributes that your employers are also looking for and they reflect in the way that you organize your résumé and write your cover letter.
Adhere to proper spelling and grammatical practices:
Once you have written your résumé and included all the necessary details, make sure that you review it for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. Employees also evaluate your writing and form judgments about what type of worker you will be, by looking at the way that you pay attention to details, and it is often a critical attribute that they stress on their job postings. Get someone else to review your résumé and cover letter. Sometimes a second opinion helps. Note that a well written résumé gets notice for the very least. It is the same ones that gets called on the interview and the one to get the job.
Personalized your cover letter:
Personalizing your cover letter for each job that you are applying for is sometimes difficult to do. You have spent several hours coming up with the perfect résumé to meet the job requirements, and now you just have to complete the cover letter; but you are tired, and you simply just want to the application process to be over and done with. Similar to your résumé, you also have to pay great attention to details. A well written cover letter reflects your level of professionalism also. Always address your cover letter to the correct person within the company or corporation. The job position that you are applying for should also be indicated on your cover letter. It is also important to indicate where you saw the job advertised, and how your skills, educational background, and experience fits the job that they advertised. Always include a telephone number or an e-mail address so that they will be able to contact you should your letter of application is short listed.
The interviewing process:
If you are here in your job search process, you know that you are getting somewhere with finding a job. But this is also a very important stage that you must pay attention to. How you dress is very important in getting a job. This is your initial presentation. How you look or your image plays an important role in hiring. Make sure you wear clean and well coordinated colors, a beautiful pair of shoes, and a handbag, not to fashionable; if you are a female. Males, you too must pay special attention to how your look and yes smell. It is also important to pay attention to grooming; your hair must also be combed as well as your nails should be cut and cleaned. In addition, it is also important to be on time for your interview and you should also be prepared to answer any questions. In addition, it is great to have a number of questions that you can ask the panel especially when they ask you “Do you have any questions you will like to ask us?”
The Day of the Interview:
On the day of the interview, make sure that you are there on time. Some times it is best to go on a trial run if you are informed of the interview days before. This will allow you to identify road blocks that you may encounter and help you to circumvent them on the day of. Learn as much as you can about the company and particularly, how the position you are applying impacts the company’s functionality. Generally the interview questions are related to what you have written on your résumé. Remember you are talking about you, and the experiences that you have and how they apply to the position. Be confident when you respond. Remember always to have the names and contacts of your references. Another question that is commonly asked is, what you want from the job? And that generally translates into the question “Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Another generic question is; how will you be of benefit to the company? It is advisable that before going on an interview you must research the company. Learn about their company goals, mandate and culture. You also need to know if you will want to work with them. Just as they have to like you, you also have to like them. It is a two way relationship.
In summary: I hope that you find these tips useful to your job search, résumé preparation, and interview process. Good luck in your job search.
Interested in having us prepare a résumé and cover letter as well as prepare you for the job position that you are looking for. Call us! You can also have a telephone conferencing session with Dr. Cottle. For more information contact us at: ccottle@drcottle.com
Author:
Dr. Cheryl Cottle is the Chief Consultant of Cottle's Professional Consulting. Cottle's Professional Consulting has a multidisciplinary portfolio including education, organizational development, professional development, and business development. Dr. Cottle is also a coach and mentor in areas of professional and business development. Interested in a service, please contact her at: ccottle@drcottle.com
©Copyright 2010 by Dr. Cheryl Cottle and Cottle’s Professional Consulting
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