Are you a fresh graduate and planning to look for a job? Did you just recently
quit your job and are looking for greener pastures? Are you unemployed and have
little experience regarding ways to secure a job? Whatever your situation may
be, it would be to your advantage to study the following tips:
1.Check your resume for mistakes
Before submitting your resume to a prospective employer, check your resume for
corrections at least three times before handing it over. After researching about
the job position, it is critical that you format your resume to match the needs
of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you
should put in detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typographical
and grammatical errors are serious no-no's. It is also ideal to keep the length
of the resume' to at least a page and a half long.
2. Facing the interview challenge
A survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm based in California which
corresponded with 1,400 chief financial officers concluded that candidates for
employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes
they made include: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and
the position applied for, and having a superiority complex and behaving
arrogantly. The body language of the applicant must also denote that he is
confident yet not overpowering. He must maintain eye contact, have a strong
handshake, and avoid looking defensive by the act of crossing the arms. Wearing
the right clothes is crucial for projecting a confident stance. As they say, it
is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.
3. Answer questions smartly
A common mistake of interviewees is that they tend to get tense and forget the
questions that are given to them, which has the effect that they are not
prepared for the interview. It is important to research about the company and
the position applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If
you do not know the answer to the questions being asked, it is better to admit
you don't know the answer to the question and add that you can research about
it. Look for the skills or expertise that the company is looking for so that
when interview day comes and the interviewer asks about your strengths and core
competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.
4. Getting the necessary referrals
Having a referral from one of the company employees can go a long way toward
landing an interview. A typical company may receive job applications in the
hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by referrals.
The odds of getting hired when you have a referral are very high if you have
another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you do not know
anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to the
alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional
associations. Remember, having a referral greatly increases your chances of
getting the position.
5. On online application
With the current trend of technology and its merging with business processes,
more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their
application online. Thus, first impressions are relayed not by your first
appearance but by the quality and content of your e-mail. E-mails regarding job
application should be polished and well-articulated. When applying on-line, use
the following tips:
6. Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate.
Employers do not like when you send them application letters that seem to be too
casual. It is important to make a letter that is both formal and well written.
This gives a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills.
7. Get directly to the point
When writing an application letter, you must be concise and straightforward. Do
not put a story on the letter just to get the attention of the employer, chances
are he or she will just get irritated with you and this only reduces your
chances of getting hired.
8. Consider potential issues that may hinder you from getting the job
Although there are instances wherein there is a lot of need for a job but the
requirements for the position may entail training programs that may bar you from
getting the position due to its highly competitive nature. Some require a lot of
experience even at least 3 years of work experience. Some may have no barriers to
entry but the job itself may entail a very routine work flow.
Getting the job you want may be a challenge but never lose hope. It is better to
wait a while and get the job that you will enjoy rather than get a job as soon
as possible but ending up dissatisfied and unhappy. Make the right decision then
act on it.
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