I no longer work for anyone, so I no longer have to go job hunting, a frustrating and often humiliating task. You go round and round, filling out applications with the same information, over and over again. Even doing the applications on line is repetitive and mind numbing. Mailing or faxing resumes becomes a mechanical chore.
There is little as frustrating as going to a potential employer, filling out that application, attaching a resume, all the while thinking, 'this looks promising,' only to be told by the receptionist, 'I'll see that Mr. Jones gets this. He'll review them and be in touch.' Then, you're off to the next potential employer.
You know that, very likely, you have just been fed a bunch of BS, that there are countless applications in that office and that Mr. Jones will only see the applications that pass the screening of his receptionist. Worse still, you know that if you do all of this on line, it is not even a human who does the screening, it is a computer program (you do know that, don't you? If not, realize this, computers use programs that scan applications and/or resumes for key words. If yours lacks any one of them, sorry).
But, you have to find a job, so you persevere. Eventually, you will get a call back, or find the rare employer who actually deals with potential employees directly and you will be interviewed. This is your chance. Take advantage.
I have interviewed many potential employees and been through the process as the applicant more times than I care to remember. You have about 10 seconds to get the employers attention. In that brief time, he has made a judgment. Yes, he might change that judgment, given sufficient cause, but that very first impression is hard to shake.
First, dress well, but appropriately. If it is an office job, don't wear jeans. Likewise, don't wear a suit to a warehouse job. Second, before you approach the employer, take a few deep breaths; it helps you relax and focus. Try to get a good night's rest; you don't want to be dragging.
Make sure you're well groomed, hair neat, especially (guys) facial hair. Wear deodorant but go easy on colognes (or skip them altogether). Eat well, but stick to bland foods. You don't want onion breath, nor do you want a sour stomach. Go easy on caffeine; jittery is not good. And, don't drink a lot of liquid before the interview. It is a horrible feeling to, in the middle of trying to impress someone, realize that you really, really have to pee. Something else I shouldn't have to say, but I do; no chewing gum or breath mints.
I shouldn't have to say this, but from experience I know that I do. Do not drink alcohol before an interview. I don't care if the employer is drunk, he or she will not appreciate you showing up smelling of alcohol.
Be friendly, but don't overdo. The person interviewing is not looking for a new buddy. Be enthusiastic, but, again, moderately so; you don't know enough about the job yet. Ask questions, on a general level. If you get the job, then, you can get details. Most importantly, pay attention. Do not let your mind wander, it will be noticed and it will not look good.
Be honest. If you can do something, let it be known, but, if there are aspects of the job you are not really qualified for, admit it. You will be surprised at how many employers appreciate that and at how many employers are willing to work with you. After all, no one is skilled at everything. Remember this. If you get hired and then get fired because you cannot do the work, that looks a whole lot worse than not getting the job in the first place and it will be a lot more stressful on you.
Don't get overly personal. If asked, certainly you should talk a bit about yourself and your interests, but don't get carried away. On the other side of things, beware of any potential employer who wants to get to personal. An interview for a job is not the place for him/her to tell you his/hers woes and he/she has no business prying into your life at any depth.
That brings me to my last point. Not only is the potential employer interviewing you, you are interviewing them. Decide if you think you can work for this person. Of course, if you are flat broke and desperate, that doesn't matter. You have to get a paycheck coming in. But, even in that case, if you are hired, you can keep it in the back of your mind and keep putting out feelers about other jobs. Just because someone hires you, you don't have to pledge undying loyalty. Trust me, if they take a notion, they will dump you in a heartbeat.
Be confident, but not arrogant. Be alert and attentive, but not edgy and nervous. Be friendly but not fawning. Dress appropriately. Your job hunting, not hanging with your friends or going on a date. Getting a job is stressful there is no doubt about that, but, by using your head, you can greatly reduce that stress and get the job.
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