In today’s competitive job market, it pays to remember the details!
• Networking – most jobs are filled by word of mouth and who you know – connect with your networking resources
• Social Media – your Facebook page is a reflection of you – keep it positive and upbeat, other information about you on the internet should be complimentary
• Community Service – get involved in a good cause and include this service on your resume
• References – should include both personal and work related – good references enhance your potential with employers – have them available as an attachment to your resume
• Resume – this is you on paper – take the time to make it an effective sales tool for you and an effective screening tool for employers, keep it to one page
• Job Objective – be clear about your employment objective. Employers appreciate stated objectives
• Skills Summary – include a skills summary under your objective and list skills that relate to the job you are applying for
• Work History – work your way back from your most recent employment (include up to 6 previous jobs), keep job descriptions brief and descriptive, unpaid work experience can also be included
• Transferrable Job Skills – be prepared to talk about any previous job skills that relate to and fit the current job opening you are applying for
• Education – list your accomplishments with concise information about areas of study
• Tools – when tools are required for the job talk about what you have available
• Stay Positive – about yourself and previous employers
• Stay Focused – concentrate and give your full attention to the job interview
• Personal Problems – never talk about personal problems during a job interview
• Criminal Record – if you have this issue be prepared to address any employer concerns and offer information about the better person you are today
• Bonding Program – a free program is available that will bond you on the job – mention this as an available resource
• Body Language- use good posture and make eye contact with the interviewer
• Dress – wear clothes that are appropriate for the job you are applying for
• Hygiene – always have good personal hygiene and don’t overuse perfume/after shave/cologne
• Look Your Best – good grooming makes a good impression
• Transportation – be prepared to talk about your transportation for work
• Day Care – talk about your available child care arrangements
• Company Information – take time to get basic information about the company before you have your job interview
• Honesty – is always the best policy, it always pays to be honest. Don’t misrepresent yourself, stand on the merits of your skills, hard work and positive attitude
• Thank You – always express your appreciation and a thank you to the person who interviewed you and then take the time to send a thank you card/note to this same person. This can give you an advantage, and can also create name recognition and a possible review of your resume.
Congratulations on your efforts to cover the bases and find the right job opportunity for you.
Remember – employers are looking for good people just like you!
by Jack Robinson
