1) Resume
Submit a different resume for every
job. Be certain to mention the needed
skills up front. If the skills are old,
use a functional rather than a chronological resume and leave the dates out.
Have two resumes: a one page condensed resume and a complete
resume.
When answering ads online or in the
paper, write a letter mentioning you have the requisite skills. Do not send a resume unless they call and ask
for one. If you send a resume up front,
they feel they have already interviewed you.
2) Business
Card
Your business card should be on white
linen, not vellum, and should have raised lettering. Include your cell and home telephone numbers
and your email address.
3) Cold
Calling
You must employ cold calling in a down
economy (you have a better chance of getting in to see someone in a smaller
company as the larger companies usually insist that you apply online).
Make a list of all the possible
companies in your area then research them online, through their website or in
the library with research reports from such services as Standard & Poor’s.
Before going on your cold calling
trips, be certain to read up on the company in the event you are able to get
past the receptionist.
Mark the location of each company
on a local map so that you can efficiently cover more companies on each outing.
When you appear at the front
reception desk, ask to see someone in the Human Resources or Personnel
departments. If no one is available,
leave a business card and ask the receptionist who you should call.
Call and see if you can drop
in. If you must apply online, at least
you will have a name you can contact.
If you see a large number of
companies (minimum 25-30) and follow up periodically calling them, you have a better
chance of getting a job.
4) Interviewing
Do the research about the
company. Most people assure the
interviewer they would love to work for the company, but don’t know anything
about it.
Dress appropriately for the
interview. A conservative jacket &
slacks/skirt or business suit is best.
Do not wear facial jewelry.
During the interview, spend more
time explaining how you can contribute rather than what the salary and benefits
are.
If they ask you what salary you
expect, answer that you are flexible, are looking for an opportunity to
contribute to the company and are confident that the compensation will be
appropriate.
Be prepared to answer these
questions: what is your best trait and
what is your worst trait.
A good answer for your best trait
is to say, “My character. I’m honest,
loyal, flexible and I take responsibility to complete tasks assigned to me.”
For your worst trait, I have no
suggestions.
Be certain to get the business cards
of the interviewers and write them letters thanking them for their time and expressing
again your interest in contributing to the company.
If you don’t hear from them within
two weeks, call the interviewers on the telephone.
5) Networking
Networking is also crucial on
second and following jobs. Almost 80% of
such jobs come from networking.
Ask all your friends if they can
think of a position you might apply for.
Ask if they know anyone in the company and if you can use their name as
a reference.
Always carry your business cards to
social events. You never know when you
will meet someone who can help you.
Networking is more important than
ever as many companies will insist you apply online.
If you must apply online and
couldn’t get through to HR, try dropping in on a branch office and seeing a
manager. Mention that you have applied
online. It’s possible that the manager
can put in a good word for you.
Be prepared to face rejection, this
is a numbers game.
Have faith that persistence over a
period of time is a winning tactic.
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Note from Lisa Saunders, a former recruiter for National Field Service Corporation, who currently serves as their consulting field director in New England:
Post your a VERY detailed version of your resume on database sites. For online resumes, it's important, for example, to say PowerPoint, Excel, etc., instead of just Microsoft Office as some recruiters only do a search using the required skill buzz words given them by employers. Slightly edit your resume every week on these resume database sites so it appears on top when recruiters do searches.
In addition, there are probably several free job hunting workshops in your area. Attend them. You will learn new skills and may meet someone who can help you.
Volunteering/interning for organizations is very helpful in regard to networking and learning new skills. If you show up on time, are eager to learn, and demonstrate your dedication, you will be the first one they think of to either hire or recommend to associates when job openings occur.
