Searching for that perfect job can be unnerving. Especially if you are out of work and in need of money in a hurry. Finding a good job is becoming more and more difficult in today's economy where companies are cutting back on jobs every day. It is difficult, but not impossible. What you need is a game plan.
First, you should consider what talents and capabilities you can offer an employer. Write down a list off all your strong points as an employee. Include your labor skills, computer skills, hobbies, special interests, and all of your strong characteristics as a person. Be confident in your value as an employee and don't be afraid to go after the higher paying jobs. Confidence in yourself and your abilities will speak louder during an interview than your resume.
Now that you've made a list of all the reasons why an employer should be excited to add you to their workforce, it's time to put together your resume. If you already have a resume, then you should look over it and make sure everything is up to date. Don't just make a list of your employers and your job titles. Be specific. List some of the things you have accomplished for your employer at each of your previous jobs. Make your resume stand out. Make it interesting to read.
Next, make a list of all the employers in your area where you would consider working. If you are having difficulty coming up with more than one or two employers, then get out the phone book. You also should use the internet to search for potential employers. When you make your list, be sure to include phone numbers. Also, check to see if the employer has a website where you can apply for a job online. Once you have several potential employers listed, then go back and put them in order from most to least desirable.
Pick up the phone and start calling. Ask to speak with someone in human resources or a manager if there is not an HR department. Once they are on the phone, introduce yourself and ask if they are accepting applications. Be sure to get a fax number, mailing address, or email address and the name of a contact person who will be receiving your resume and/or application. Most employers these days will fax or email an application to you, but be prepared to go pick one up if necessary.
You're making progress, but you aren't quite there yet. Now you need to type up cover letters for each potential employer where you will be applying. Add a copy of your resume to each cover letter. Start by filling out online applications where available. Once you have completed this, go ahead and fax your resume with a cover letter and fax cover sheet to these companies if you were able to obtain a fax number. Then you will want to complete any applications you were able to obtain via fax or email. Attach your resume and cover letter to these applications before sending them to the employer. Last, you will need to visit the remaining employers in person in order to obtain a job application.
Even if you are only stopping by to pick up an application for a potential job, be sure to dress the same as you for an interview. We'll discuss appropriate interview attire shortly. You should also carry a copy of your resume and cover letter with you when you go to pick up the application just in case they ask for it. You might also be surprised sometimes that the employer wants you to complete the application on site and be immediately interviewed. Be prepared.
As for interview attire, you should dress for the job you are applying for. Excellent hygiene is an absolute must no matter what. Unless you're applying for a job as a Hooters Girl or a Chipendale Dancer, you should dress conservatively and professionally. If you don't have an appropriate outfit in your closet and money is tight, then borrow an outfit from a friend or go to your local thrift store. First impressions are everything in a job interview. Ladies, go easy on the make-up. Also, no heavy perfume or after-shave since some people are allergic or simply find strong scents offensive. Make sure your shoes are clean and polished.
While you are being interviewed, respond respectfully and with confidence. Be honest when answering and don't be afraid to ask questions about the job duties and work environment. Although your pay rate is important, do not bring it up unless the employer approaches the subject first or offers you a position. Employers want to know your abilities and how well you are likely to perform for them before they are able to calculate your potential wages.
If an employer offers you a job, but you are still waiting to hear back from other potential employers, then find out pay details and what type of work schedule you will have. Let the employer know that you are still entertaining other job offers and ask how soon they will need a reply.
There are a few other general rules and guidelines to keep in mind when interviewing or contacting a potential employer. Treat every employee or person you greet while on the job site with courtesy and respect. You never know if the person you mistake for the receptionist is actually your interviewer or the boss's daughter. Many employers will also question all employees who came into contact with you during your visit for their opinion on you. I've seen it again and again over the years. There have been people I've seen come through an accounting firm who had flawless resumes, but they were rude with the front office staff and it cost them the position. There's no excuse for anyone to make that same mistake.
Always thank your interviewer for their time before leaving an interview. If you know right away that the job isn't for you, then politely tell them that you aren't interested and end the interview. If you are interested, then tell them that you are looking forward to hearing from them and be sure they have all of your contact information.
Remember, a successful interview can mean the difference between earning the minimum allowed wages for the job being offered and earning the maximum pay allowed for the position. Pay close attention to details and behave professionally at all times and you can't go wrong.