Continuing to follow my own advice (since that only makes sense), I recently went to drop off a resume at another company that I would love to work at....even though they haven't put out any request for a new employee.
While I briskly went up the stairs to the large glass door that opened up to a number of company offices, I noticed a small group of persons with what I assume were job applications as well. Ok fine I noticed the envelope said 'Attention: The Human Resource Department' and I was honestly glad to see that they weren't going to the same company as I was.
Anywho, the issue wasn't that they were also on the job hunt....because that really isn't a bad thing. The problem was that the way they presented themselves didn't match up to the manicured foyer and 'fancy-full' glass doors or of course the other persons buzzing about during their lunch hour.
Now I'll just clear it up before you start thinking it: I am not stereotyping persons here!
To be honest, I would have dressed like them if I were going to hang out with friends....tank top, shorts and sandals. But....to drop off a job application? ....I think not...
My mother worked as a human resource manager for as long as I could remember. In my teens when I started looking for summer jobs she sat and helped me fix up my resume to make it 'presentable' and was sure to give me basic interview tips and some 'working in an office' tips. At that time, I was a bit annoyed at how meticulous she was when I just wanted a job for a few weeks to make some cash to go out and to buy stuff.
Thinking back though....I am so glad that I have those tips instilled in my little brain. And since I'm so nice....I'll share a few:
Resumes
Take note of your 'hobbies.' Watching tv, chatting with friends, surfing the net and all other "this is what I do when I'm bored" activities do not count as hobbies! All this tells an employer is: 'when I come to work I plan to sit in the lunch room and watch tv, run up the phone bill chatting to my friend and surf the net possibly downloading random things, chatting to friends or watching movies.' If you don't have what mother called a 'wholesome hobby' (writing, photography, playing an instrument, charity work) then don't put hobbies at all.
Keep it short and to the point. Your resume should be similar to the book summary on the back of the novel. It should give you enough reason to want to know more (hence the interview). If it's too long, the employer gets bored and you're put in the 'ahm....maybe next time' pile.
WhoAreYou@___.com if your email address makes you sound like an exotic dancer, a drug lord, murder or any other thing that isn't professional then it's time you got a new one. You're safest bet is your name....trust me!
Honesty works best. If you aren't 100% sure about something then it's probably best you leave it off your resume. Clear everything up before sending your resume off to a company....especially your references (if you decide to put them on the resume). Let the persons know that you have listed them as a reference and ask them for the contact information that they would like to have you share on your resume.
Interviews
Time is of the essence. Being early is something that should go without saying.....so if your interview is at 1:30pm be sure to be sitting in the reception area, or stepping into the office at 1pm. Being on time lets them know you mean business and can hint to them that you'll be on time for work.
While you wait. Be cognizant of what you do while you're in the reception area. Your phone should be on silent at this point and you should be sitting like you're in an office, not in the living room couch. You can always ask for the daily paper, take out a book to read, or if you feel nervous, try to gain composure.
Carry everything you sent off in the package to the employer. It is
also a good idea to walk with the originals of your documents so that
if you're asked, things can be cross-referenced. Leaving them at home
could make an employer feel that you have something to hide, or that you
aren't ready for the job.
Calm, cool and relaxed is the name
of the game. You're going in to have someone ask you about the one
person you should know most....yourself! It's normal to be nervous but
do your best show the boss that you are confident but not conceited.
Speak professionally and not like you're chilling with your friends. Remember that you're trying to convince someone that you are mature enough and competent enough to do the job. At the same time, you're convincing the person/people that you have the personality that will fit in with others in the company. Don't chat away the time, and save your questions until you are asked if you have any. Oh and for the love of God.....don't have your phone in hand!
Dress code & Presentation
It all starts when you drop the application off. Yup believe it or not, some companies make note of you from the day you step in to drop off your resume. The receptionist may place a post-it on your envelope noting the way you were attired and possibly even the way you addressed him/her. That means that a smile and good manners could take you as far as an appropriate outfit will. You may be surprised to know just how often a human resource manager fills in at the reception desk.
If you wouldn't go to work in the outfit, then don't wear it. And that applies whether you're going to drop the application off or to the interview. Something too short or too revealing could cut you from the list regardless of how impressive your resume is.
Keep it simple. Yes the loud accessories are in, and you may have 3 piercings on each ear or in some other part of your face, but keeping it simple is the best way to give a first impression. If in the interview you want to ask about the company dress code or regulations regarding same, then that's fine. But going all out could give the wrong impression and can be distracting.
All in all folks.....getting the job isn't going to only be because of what's on your resume. Believe it or not, there is sooooo much more to you getting the job including your demeanour in the interview, the personality that you allow to shine through and pretty much just how well you can sell yourself!
Like I said before, apply for the job even if you don't have all of the qualifications. Your bachelors degree, minor work experience and overall resume may just be enough to get you to round two - the interview. From there you need to sell yourself to the organization and let them know that although you don't have the 'masters and X years of experience in a similar position' you have the willingness, the foundation knowledge and the determination to perform excellently in the position.
Continuing the hunt!
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