Job Search Tips

Don't try to forget your interview

Job seekers who chicken out of interviews at the 11th hour deserve the heaviest of all penalties because they have just committed a definite no-no for job interviews. No matter what happens - whether your tyre got punctured or that you felt too afraid to give a fight for your dream job - NEVER ever play dumb and casually pretend that you had "forgotten" all about the interview. Remember that the interviewer is expecting you and the fact that you were called for an interview means that you are considered a potential candidate. So please be courteous and gutsy enough to pick up the phone and inform them if you really cannot attend.

Negotiating is not bargaining

Negotiating for a salary is not your casual bargaining at the local night market. You should fully understand your qualifications and the contributions that you are able to bring to your potential employer before you make your say. It is every job seekers' right to negotiate for their pay but keep it realistic while taking into consideration factors such as the distance of the workplace from home, the amenities in the area and your interest and potential career advancement in the job you applied for. Remember that every successful negotiation implies a win-win situation. You got to give and take.

Working the job fair

Job fairs are important places to familiarize yourself with the interview process. Students need to go to fairs as early as their first year in order to build relationships with the companies they want to work with. Why? Because they'll need to do research about the companies, know what they do and what kind of opportunities they have. It's impressive as a recruiter when a student comes up and says: "This is my major. I see you have these positions open. I have these skills."

Get me to the interview on time

Short tip this week. Whenever you have appointments, don’t be late for them. That goes for the interview too. Make sue that you are not late. Be there at least 15 minutes earlier so that you can calm down and get accustomed to the surroundings. Also, there may be forms for you to fill.

Highlight all your achievements

A simple tip for your resume is to highlight all your achievements while keeping your mediocre results away. Remember that a resume is like your two or three-page sales pitch. You need to keep it informative, impressive and make sure it sends out the impact that it rightfully deserves. Simply said, all you need to do is to invoke that kind of curiosity in the interviewer that makes him want to meet the person behind the hit trailer you just gave him.

Job hunting takes perseverance

Job hunting is a tedious process and job seekers should not expect that you will be offered a job - one with a delicious pay cheque and strategic office - the moment you get called for your first interview. You have to understand that you need to be continuously seeking for jobs before eventually landing one you truly can relate to. Keep your job applications flowing to as many other companies as you can but keep in mind to apply only those that deems you suitably qualified. In short, job hunting needs determination and a whole lot of perseverance.

Look elegant and smart

The first impression always matters and the first glance that the interviewer steals on you most often immediately sets a grade for you at the back of their mind. Therefore, it is essential that you do not look too sophisticated or too casual, but keep your dressing simple, sharp but elegant. Dressing up looking like a professional will boost your confidence and ego. And don't forget to smell like a charm when you put on your favorite perfume or cologne. People are most attracted to nice smells.

The small talk counts

Many interviewers like to make small talk with a prospective employee to get more of a feel of the temperament and personality that goes beyond responses an interviewer might have rehearsed. While you don’t want to attempt to be buddies with your interviewer, being able to participate in small talk is almost a talent by itself. Make a connection with the interviewer, and your chances immediately increase. If it’s possible for you to know what the interviewer does, you can include what you know in your small talk. For example, if your interviewer worked on a large campaign, ask him what it was like. You should avoid too trivial a subject and listen more than you speak.