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Turbo Charge Your Job Search

Turbo Charge Your Job Search
By Sue Levine, M.Ed., Career Placement Representative

It's the little things that sometimes differentiate you from your competitors when it comes to a job search. Students often wonder why they didn't receive a job offer when "I'm qualified and did a great job answering the interview questions." Job searching is not an exact science - there is not always a tangible explanation as to why you weren�t offered a job, but there are some things you can do to stack the odds in your favor.

Thank You Notes
While a thank you note alone will not guarantee a job offer, all things being equal it can differentiate you from another candidate. It tells the employer that you have taken extra effort to thank them for their time and that you are serious about the position. It also speaks to your character - you have demonstrated proper etiquette and social norms. Email is a perfectly fine way to get a brief thank you out to an employer in a timely manner, but follow up with a hard copy thank you letter for formality.

Be on Time for the Interview
First impressions are everything! If you arrive late to an interview, even minutes, you are sending a message to the employer that you don't value time. Employers want employees who are timely, and you should set the stage for this at the interview phase. Some simple tips:
1. Map out your route and plan your commute based on the time of day, parking availability, traffic, etc.
2. Drive the route ahead of time if it is an unfamiliar locale.
3. If you will be traveling during rush hour or on public transportation - allow for extra time.
4. If you don't own a cell phone - borrow one for a few hours. If you are running late you can easily call the employer.

Know Something about the Job and the Employer
You don't need to know every minute detail, but you should do some research prior to the interview. Woe to the jobseeker who cannot articulate why they are interested in the position. This sends the message that you are not overly serious about the position.

Follow the directions for online applications
Some employers require that you submit an online application. This is often another way to screen candidates. Did you follow the instructions? Submit everything that they asked for? Were you able to navigate the system successfully? These things can tell the employer a great deal about your comfort with technology and ability to follow specific directions. Apply online when you know you have uninterrupted time and you can pay attention to what you are doing.

Don't Wear Perfume, Cologne, or other Scented Products to the Interview
While you may think that your Chanel No. 5 is the most heavenly scent on the earth that may not be true for the other people in the interview room.

Be Nice to the Receptionist and Administrative Staff
The hiring manager may seek input from other staff members that are not even in the interview room. A smile, friendly demeanor, and overall professional attitude can send a positive message.

Sue Levine, M.Ed. is a Career Placement Representative at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts and has nearly ten years of experience working in Career Services. She holds a B.A. in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and a M. Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia.

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posted by Victor Lloyd Smith @ 5:00 PM