GETTING THAT JOB!
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Table of Contents
Desired Conduct in an Interview
Finding the Training Resources
Five Ways to Guarantee that Perfect Job
Learn Some Key Facts about the Compan
Keep Former Employers in a Positive Light
How Effective are Job Banks or Employment Agencies?
Get the Job and then Keep the Job
Maintaining Professionalism is Important
Getting That Job!
The interview process is the first step in getting the job you have always dreamed. You will need to impress the interviewer to move on in the process and reach the hiring manager. Some companies do not use a hiring manager, which means it is even more important to impress the interviewer. If you go into the interview unprepared, you will lose the job opportunity.
The first step in preparing for the interview is knowing about the company you are applying for. Just as knowing about the position is important, it is likely the interviewer will question you on how you will help the company’s mission or advancement. It is not a requirement to know everything about the company, but you will want to know what services they provide, the products sold, and what their mission statements, or goals, are.
Another preparation you should make prior to the interview is to make a list of questions. While it is not common knowledge, interviewers do not want to hear that you have no questions during an interview. In fact, some companies take this to mean you are not concerned about the position. One question you should not put on the list, however, is what the salary is. Oftentimes, the interviewer will discuss the salary with you near the end of the interview, but you should not ask about it.
You want to make sure you arrive slightly early for the interview so that you have a chance to prepare mentally. If you have never been to the office before, drive past at the same time your interview will be a day before. This will let you see what traffic is like, where parking is, and other possible routes available. You want to leave a positive impression, so do what you can to avoid being late or getting lost.
Selecting the Perfect Job
The first step in obtaining the perfect job is to know what your definitions are for it to be great. You can then seek positions that meet the requirements of a great job. You always want to be realistic when searching for a job, and make sure you are not only looking for companies that meet all of the requirements. Look for positions that meet most of your list, and give the overall feel of what you are looking for in a great job.
Expecting too much from a position will leave you without a job. You need to understand that while you feel you are worth nearly $50,000 a year as an experienced administrative assistant, the number of available positions may not be able to support it. The flexibility you have on the pay, or other adjustable qualities, will help ensure you obtaining your dream job. You want to make sure that whatever you compromise on, you are okay with.
Now that you have made your list of what qualifies a job as the best, put them in order of importance. You want items that you are not willing to negotiate on at the top, while the ones that you would like but are not mandatory at the bottom. For example, if you are looking for a local job, but you find one that is an hour away but lets you remote in four out of five days, that may be something to negotiate. List what areas you are willing to compromise on and keep those in the back of your mind when you go in for the interview. Keep the job as a possible until you have had a chance to go over everything.
You want to use this method because the job market is extremely tough right now. It is not reasonable to expect to receive everything you desire in a job. You need to make sacrifices, but you should not feel like you are lowering your standards so much that you miss a better job.
Conducting a Job Search
Conducting job searches can be done in a variety of manners, all producing similar results. While there is no right or wrong way, you want to make sure that you are using up to date methods. The job market is run very differently than even a decade ago. Most employers now look for a cover letter, resume, and application to come at the same time and placed in that order. Some companies do not keep applications on file, so they will only accept them when they have active positions open. This can make your job extremely difficult.
The best place to start will be looking online. Most companies use online resources to place positions and careers available. In addition, many online job boards are available where companies can post openings. Make sure you are not only relying on the most popular sites, as some companies only use their website. Some companies may have their positions posted on all heavily populated job-posting sites, while others will rely on only one or two specifically.
Statistically, only 20-percent of all open jobs are posted in the local newspaper, but those jobs may not be posted anywhere else. You never want to eliminate a job resource, as the more resources you use, the better your chances will be in finding that perfect position. It will also speed up the length of time it takes you to find a good position.
Desired Conduct in an Interview
It is common for people to have met the qualifications desired and have the proper references, but still be unable to land the job they want. This could be due to not exhibiting the desired conduct during the interview. Most employers can overlook nervousness, but there are other areas of etiquette that will not go unnoticed.
Smoking
Smoking itself will not prevent you from getting a job; however, the smell may cost you. Cigarettes will leave you with bad breath and your clothes will smell. You want to make sure that you refrain from smoking right before the interview. Try not to make it sound like your work will revolve around smoke breaks either. If you need nicotine to calm your nerves, try a gum instead, or use breath mints.
Turn OFF the Phone
No employer wants to have your cell phone interrupt an interview. Leave your phone turned off. If you have a child at a babysitters, then you may want to inform the interviewer at the beginning that you have your phone on vibrate just in case something should arise. However, it would be better if you have another person be the emergency contact for the time you are at the interview.
Remain Focused
When you walk into an interview, forget the outside world. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer instead of canvasing the room. To help you remain focused, consider leaving your pockets empty and your purse at your feet. Take notes, but do not doodle or appear bored. If you do not remain focused during the interview, the company will take that as a sign that you do not care about the job.
Keep Discussions Relevant
While this point sounds like common sense, many people have trouble keeping their conversations relevant to the job position. This is especially true when the interviewer starts a discussion. Your personal life will come into play because they want to see what family life is like; they also want to know how it will affect your job. When discussing your family (husband, wife, children, etc.), make sure you keep it relevant to the job you are applying for. You can state that you have “x” number of children, and they attend daycare that is open from 7:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. That statement lets the employer know that you have children, you may have family events at some point but your hours of availability are standard office hours. It is not necessary to tell them life events.
Dress for Success
Dressing for an interview is complicated, because you cannot assume that you can dress down. If you are applying for a warehouse supervisor, you will still want to dress in a business casual fashion; even if you know, you will be wearing jeans and a t-shirt to work. While jeans are never appropriate for a job interview, slacks are a casual clothing item that most find acceptable.
When deciding on what to wear to the interview, consider the position. If you are looking at a job in the corporate department, you will want to dress to impress. Business casual is more appropriate for every other position. For example, if you are applying for a position as a customer service representative at a retail store, you could wear slacks and a nice top. However, if you are applying for a manager at that same retail store, women will want to wear skirts and men will want to don a suit.
In addition to what style of clothing to wear to an interview, you want to make sure you are not drawing attention to your clothing. You want the focus to be on your words and not what is on your body. Wear clothing that is neutral in color and appropriate lengths. You do not want clothing that is extremely tight or revealing. If it is cold outside, consider long skirts or slacks so you do not look out of place.
Finally, make sure you wash and press your outfit the day before your interview. You want to appear serious about getting the position and not desperate. It is extremely important to remember that your first impression will last longer than the interview conversation.
Enhance Your Skills
Learning should never stop. If you constantly enhance your skills, you will have a better chance of finding the job you greatly desire. When you know more, you will have access to a greater variety of positions. You will spend nearly a quarter of your life working between college and retirement. You want to make sure you are doing something that you enjoy. Technology is forever changing and expanding, which expands our access to gain more knowledge.
The decisions you make will have a direct impact on your ability to get a job in the industry you choose. This is why it is so important to maintain the highest skill level possible, to meet the demands of the market. It may cause some jobs to be unattainable, but it will open more of the higher paying positions. There is always the ability to grow and learn, especially with the advancements in technology. It is possible that the skills we currently have will already be out of date by the time we interview for a job. Attending additional classes is only one way that you can enhance your skills, but if it helps obtain a position, everything is worth the work.
If you are going to go after something, you want to make sure are prepared and on top of your game. In addition, if you have a great job in a company but you are looking to move up, you need to show that you have the skills to achieve the next level. Most companies prefer to hire inside the company, so you do not want to miss the chance of being chosen because you are not skilled. Showing your employer that you are willing to train and keep striving for the next level is the best way to be considered for positions that may not yet be announced. It will also give you a glowing recommendation if you are to change jobs. It is vital never to become complacent in the need for new knowledge.
Finding the Training Resources
You will need to make sure you know where to go to get the training you need if your qualifications fall short for your dream job. Even if you have a degree, it may be necessary to take a few courses to cover the new information. This can be done at home from online courses, preventing you from having to schedule around your current work schedule. However, it may be necessary to take a few classes at a local university or community college to acquire lab time, such as medical positions.
Online courses can be the easiest on the schedule, but some people do not learn best on their own. If this describes you, then you will need to check into your local schools to see where training is available. You need to factor for time the course will take out of your day, and the cost of the class, to compare it on the boost it will give you in your field. For most, the increase in benefits and salary are enough to make all classes worth it.
If you are just starting out in a career field, it is easier to find out where to go for new training. The resources are given to you as you finish school. However, those who have been in the field for a period may not have access to the same information. It does not mean that the changes will be difficult or cause a harder transition, it just means they will need to do more work to find the skill training required.
It is possible that you will come across the need to change jobs because of changes that occur in the company, especially if your company is bought out. Some jobs begin to outsource, causing downsizes and budget cuts. If you are no longer happy with your position, then you no longer have your dream job. It is time to begin the hunt for what makes you happy again.
Define the Perfect Job
The perfect job is not the same for everyone, so each person will need to find their own definition. Everyone has different interests and will need to look for something different in a job. Family members may have a different idea of what makes a perfect job. A perfect job is literally one that gives you satisfaction, feeling of accomplishment, and a feeling of fulfillment.
To start making your definition of a perfect job, you will want to make a list of what you expect from the position. When it comes to defining what is perfect for you, think about what you like. Do you prefer to have a set schedule, or something that is flexible? Do you want to be able to work from home? Your desires will not be the same as someone else, so you need to identify with what a perfect job is for you. Make a list for you to look at while job hunting. Write down what is important to you that a job has and does not have. The more time you take on your list, the more likely you are to find the perfect job without hopping from job to job. Loyalty and stability are two things that employers will look for on your resume. If you do your research first, you are more likely to show those two traits.
Evaluate Your Qualifications
Your qualifications will be what prevent you from getting a great job, unless you put the bar lower until you expand your skills. So many people like to seek positions that they are not qualified for because it meets their definition of a perfect job. When you are looking for a job, read the qualifications before you apply. You do not want to set yourself up for failure, all while looking foolish in front of the company. You will not reach the interview stage and you will cause time to be wasted, for both you and the person screening applicants.
When you have located the job you think sounds perfect, immediately scroll down to the qualifications required. Many companies will list the required qualifications first, and then will list preferred qualifications second. The screening process often has the required go into one pile, and the preferred into another, with the trash bin being where applications go for applicants not qualified at all. You will then need to sell yourself to the hiring manager if you only have the required qualifications.
The more time you spend in interviews is the less time you spend actually being paid. If you are looking to make a career change, you will want to make sure you start where you are qualified. That may mean that you start at the bottom with no expertise, but meet the minimum requirements. Interviewers do not want to get through the interview, only to find out that you have not even met their minimum qualifications. They are also more likely to remember your name and face and not consider you for future jobs.
It is very important not to think you can charm your way into a job. The interviewer does not care if you are a fast learner or are willing to train. He or she wants someone who walks into the room already possessing the training necessary. If the qualifications are not required, then the company is prepared to offer training for the right person. You want to look professional at all times, and part of that is not to reach for jobs that are obviously out of your reach at the time being.
Five Ways to Guarantee that Perfect Job
There are ways you can guarantee landing a perfect job, just as there are ways you can lose it. Make sure you are always doing the things you should if you want to increase the chance of landing the job. If you purposely fail to do the following five things, you are setting yourself up for a failure to land the position.
Dress Appropriately
Never dress in less than business casual. Remember you are dressing to impress the employer, and you should act as if any job is worthy of your respect and best appearance. Jeans should not be worn, despite the location or type of job you are applying for. High-paying positions often call for a professional outfit of business suits and similar.
Learn Some Key Facts about the Company
Flattery will get you far. It is extremely important to know about the company you are applying to work for. When you know the key facts, it is a sign of flattery because you care enough about the position to find out about the company. It is also possible that the interviewer will quiz you on aspects of the company. One of the key questions often asked by interviewers is how you will be an asset to the company. If you do not know about the company, you may not have a good idea of what assets you bring.
Keep Personal Items, Personal
Remember when you go in for an interview, you are there to get a job, not to make friends. You want to make sure that all of the conversations relate directly to the position you are applying for. It is common for interviewers to ask about family life, but keep the answers relevant. You do not need to provide any further information beyond the direct question.
Keep Former Employers in a Positive Light
Regardless of what your previous work situation was like, you never want to speak about the former employer negatively. You do not want your new employer to think that you complain or bad mouth. If you left on bad terms, then do not elaborate or blame the company. Keep the discussion brief, or simply leave it at personal differences.
Maintain Eye Contact
When you maintain eye contact, you will show the interviewer that you are focused. While maintaining eye contact is important, you want to make sure you also pay attention. You can take notes when they relate to the conversation. Looking around the room may give the interviewer the thoughts that you are bored.
How Effective are Job Banks or Employment Agencies?
Job banks and employment agencies can be a great benefit when looking for specialty positions. There are agencies that work in specific lines that can help sort through the many jobs open. Sometimes, being more specific with what you are looking for will require you to use an employment agency that can handle those requests, while other times it is better to keep a broad search range.
When possible, you should use the employment agencies that handle positions in your industry. The places that specialize in specific fields will give you a better idea of what is available in the industry you are seeking work in. This means you will likely get a job faster, and they can help you filter through the various jobs. They will know which jobs you qualify for, and which ones will require more training.
The classifieds in the newspaper are one area you can search for jobs specifically in your field of interest. However, they rarely provide the vital information you will require to know if you qualify for the position, or if the monetary benefits are worth it. Since you should not ask about the salary in an interview, you want to use a job posting form that gives you an idea of what the salary will be.
While it is not always possible to use forums that specialize in your area of expertise, it is the best source to use. When they are available to you, it will shorten the amount of time you will use to find a job. This means you will have more time to find the perfect job in a timely fashion and go through fewer interviews. When you are looking for a job, you are not being paid. You automatically make more money by reducing the amount of time you spend looking for a job.
Get the Job and then Keep the Job
Sometimes the hardest part of a working the dream job is not the obtaining part. You can easily be hired on, but with some companies, keeping your job through the changes can be tricky. The economy is ever changing, leaving many companies to downsize. Other companies hire people on in a temporary, trial period. This can be from three months to one year, but when your temporary period is up, you have to hope you made enough of an impact they will hire you on full time.
What is it that people do to prevent them from being terminated while others are cut? The one thing companies look for in employees is dedication, loyalty, and the willingness to make an extra effort. If you treat the job as just that, another job, you are likely going to be in the first round of cuts. Your employer is looking for employees that push to get jobs done, willing to do what is necessary, and never speak badly about the company. These employees are usually the ones being promoted and receiving recognition for their work.
In a struggling economy, it is vital that you become those dedicated employees to maintain your spot. While this is not a guarantee you will not be cut from your position, you are less likely when you produce great work regularly. Do not fall into the trap of the newest employees are the first to go. They are more likely the first looked at because you have had less time to show your loyalty. However, if there are others that are not dedicated to their position, then they will usually be the first to be terminated. Employers want people who show up a hair early, and are willing to stay a little late to complete a project on their own time.
With the amount of time you have invested in the company to get the job, make sure you do not lose it. The dedication and effort is also the method to progress in the company. Do not follow the standards set by your coworkers, instead, make your own. Go by what you feel is right, especially with the amount of effort you put into the job. Your choices determine your position and value to the company; do not worry about what your colleagues think.
All About the Focus
The interview is the place where you can secure or lose the job, so maintaining focus is important. You want to focus on the interview itself, but also on the interviewer. Daydreaming will cause you to miss questions and is perceived as boredom. It is also inconsiderate of your time and the time of the interviewer. You want the person asking you questions to believe that they are important to you. This goes beyond maintaining eye contact because the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit for the company.
Your eyes speak volumes about your interest level, and even when you find an interview boring, you want to pretend to be interested. Head gestures will help you succeed in an interview, allowing you to continue the hiring process. Present a good image the first time, and spend less time in the interview stage.
The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice at home. Use your reflection in a mirror to get in the habit of maintaining good eye contact. Leave your phone somewhere else so you can practice spending 30 to 60 minutes without the sudden need to look at messages on the phone. This will prevent you from looking down during an interview, when your phone will be turned off.
Proper Interview Techniques
An interview can be hard to prepare for, but it is a way to sell yourself. If you want to land the dream job, you need to let them know why you should be the selected. You will not have a second chance to prove yourself if you fail in the interview. You need to know how to present your skills and yourself so you can convince the interviewer to select you.
The first thing to portray is confidence. While you may be nervous, you want to try to hide it.
This means not performing any nervous ticks, such as fiddling with money, twirling your hair,
twiddling your thumbs, or failure to make eye contact. You want to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the position by staying focused on what he or she is saying. Give him or her your undivided attention and dress to impress. However, you will want to pay attention to the company if you are told to dress a certain way. It may be that you are going to be near a construction zone and they do not want you to get your nice clothes dirty. Ensure that you dress professionally for all jobs in the corporate field.
The best way to impress your interviewer is by knowing about the company. Take the time to investigate the missions and goals of the company, and show the interviewer how you will be beneficial to the direction of the company. This will give you the edge over other candidates that do not take the time to learn anything out about the company. Even reading the annual report will not hurt your chances.
Is It Worth the Effort?
To get your dream job, you will notice that you have to do a great deal of work. There is research, defining the perfect job, getting the interview, and making sure you sell yourself. You are likely to start wondering if the work is worth the effort. When you look at the end results, and see everything you can accomplish, you will be able to tell that it is completely worth it. You have to work to pay the bills, is it not worth the effort to find something that you truly enjoy doing every day? Those who find a job they enjoy are more successful than people who simply go to work for a paycheck.
The effort you put into gaining the proper training and experience gives you a leg up when it comes to the number of opportunities available. You will have a better chance of finding your dream job and secure it. It takes more of an effort, but with the job market still struggling, you want to make sure you give yourself the best chance possible. This is true for both obtaining a job and keeping it.
For most people, jobs are used to provide for their family and nothing more. To them, it is more important to have a job, instead of it being something they find enjoyable. While providing for your family is a necessity, you can be taking the time to achieve training and skills necessary to do what you would really like. The extra effort you put forth in your current position will not go unnoticed. You are more likely to achieve better reviews from managers and executives, which will come in handy when you are applying for your dream job.
Finally, the effort you put forth will help you find the job that guarantees you a lifetime of success and happiness. You need to go the extra mile in order to prevent being looked over for a promotion. If you decide to move towards a different company and career, by making the effort at your current position, you will gain valuable skills. Even if you do not advance, those skills may be necessary in your dream job and/or position.
Preparing for the Dream Job
One of the best ways to find an ideal job is to begin preparations long before you start your job hunt. While you are in high school, junior college, or graduate school, you will want to begin to determine what your criterion is for a dream job. Your first job is likely not going to be a great job, but it will be one to help you further determine what you are wanting from a job.
As you are determining the criteria for your dream position, you will begin to learn what education and skill sets are required to perform the job. This allows you to have time to obtain the education and training necessary. You will discover the classes you should take during high school, and what courses to consider in college. You can still make a career change later, but you will have a good start on what you are looking for.
College is extremely expensive. It is ideal to know what you want in a career before you start, so you are not wasting time or money on classes you do not need. It is easier to obtain the training necessary while you are in college, but it does not mean that you cannot continue your education after graduation. You will reduce the amount of job hunting you will have to do after graduation if you already have a good idea of what you are wanting.
If you did not define what a dream job is to you during college, then you will need to do that now. It will be how you create a career path leading to a job that you enjoy doing. You will find that many companies follow a generic set of guidelines for requirements necessary to obtain a position. You want to make sure that you have the ability to negotiate with potential employers, which means having knowledge and training in what they require.
Project Your Image
The company you work for, or want to work for, has an image that they want to represent. You also have an image you want to project and let others know who you are. You need to do what is right and comfortable for you. If you stay true to yourself, then you will find a company that is the perfect fit. Some people find it okay to attend church in pants, while others feel that women should only wear skirts. It does not mean that either view is wrong, but it will help you find a church that you feel more comfortable in, and enjoy attending.
Your image is important when you are looking for a job, but also when you are looking to advance at your current company. Most companies have a dress code, but executives and supervisors often wear a more professional looking attire. They may wear suits instead of khaki pants. You will want to show the management that you want to advance, and you need to make sure you stand out. This does not mean you should view yourself better than others, or completely switch to business attire, but definitely make sure you present yourself as professionally as possible.
This goes for those who are not seeking a management position as well. The way you dress and present yourself will demonstrate to the company whether you are dependable, reliable, and really want the job. Some of the best assets to portray include being detail oriented, loyal, confident, deadline oriented, and conscious of quality.
Before you start your job hunt or advancement preparations, take time to develop the image you feel portrays whom you are and what you want. Learn how to take your flaws and work with them so they do not hinder your advancement.
How to Connect
Connections and networking is how you will advance to your dream job. You need to know how to connect in order to find the job you want, and secure it. Once you have the criteria for a dream job, have obtained the skills necessary, worked on your personal image, then you are ready to start the career search.
Once you have determined your dream job, you need to find companies who are hiring. There is the option of browsing various sources of advertisement, which offers you a large selection to choose from. While this is a great way to find a job that suits your needs, a better way is having a networking circle.
If you live in a small town, it can be difficult to find a job with limited selections. Relocating can be intimidating, but if you have your toolbox full of the necessary items to attain a successful career, you will have a greater chance of locating a position quickly. When you have connections, you can find jobs that are open before they may be listed online. Always look for job listings that match your preferences or you will find yourself in another job that you do not enjoy.
The Best Resources
There are dozens of resources available, which can make selection difficult. You will want to base the job resource on your field of expertise. If you are interested in a highly specialized field, it will be better if you use only the resources for that field. This will reduce the amount of time you spend looking for your dream job.
Many employers have left the old method of posting in the newspaper classified section due to cost, but some people still find their dream job through it. More people find their dream job through Internet searches because it is faster. Without having to make phone calls and visits, you can quickly see if the position will meet your criteria for your dream job.
Trade publications have become a very popular source of job advertisements, causing most professionals to use this resource when changing careers. It can be especially beneficial when relocating to a new city or state. Newspapers can be beneficial if you are in a smaller town and are looking to remain local. The resource you want to select will be determined by the job you are seeking and if you desire to relocate.
Many colleges will have a placement service for those who are graduating. If they do not offer this service, find out if they offer a list with potential job openings to give you a start to the job hunt. This is very similar to a parent bird who begins to kick their young out of the nest to help them learn to fly.
Never look down upon any source of job postings because you never know which one might have the job of your dreams. Use all resources available, but devote your time on the resource that has the higher likelihood of listing the job you desire.
Maintaining Professionalism is Important
Some people believe that the best way to be hired is to be friendly with the interviewer, but this is the number one reason people fail at interviews. You want to remain professional throughout the interview and show the potential employer that they should hire you based on merit. Your role in an interview is to portray your skills and the training you have undergone to be the perfect match for the open position. Keep the discussion focused on the job you have applied for and why you are the most qualified. The interviewer will see dozens of applicants and you want to have them remember you because you stayed on point, portrayed a professional aura, and did not waste their time.
The purpose for an interview to be held is to find the person who is the best person for the job and fits with the current company environment. The interviewer can only tell who you are and whether you will fit if you are professional and keep everything related to the company. The interviewer may ask personal questions, but keep the answers short instead of expounding with information that is not needed or desired.
One of the most important parts of an interview is how you portray others. You want to keep information regarding previous employment in a positive light. Even if you despised your previous job and employer, you will want to make sure you do not advertise this to the new company. You can simply state that the company and you were not a good fit. Former employers are not allowed to detail why you left the company, but rather when you worked for them and if they would rehire you.
You are in charge of the amount of information the interviewer has access to, and you want to keep things positive and relevant to the position you are applying for.
Good luck!