It’s a tough time to look for a job. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You need to do all you can to make the best impression on the companies you’re applying to. Here’s how:
1. Update Your Resume – Keep your resume updated constantly and have someone else read it over. You can stare at it for hours yourself, but you still make overlook some important aspects that should be added or even a spelling error. If your school offers a student career center then use it! Usually their services are free if they are through the school and they can be a huge help.
2. New Cover Letters – Yes, you can re-use your resume but do not re-use your cover letters. Make sure that your cover letters are as specific to the job that you are applying for as it can be. You don’t want the recruiter to read through your cover letter and think it is generic. Apply your experience and knowledge in your cover letter to things that relate to the job description that they provide you with. Make sure you also do your research before writing your cover letter as it will be important to meshing with the company’s culture.
3. Dress Professionally – It is better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview. Yes, the company may have a business casual work environment, but you want to make sure you look as professional as possible and show that you can look the part. If you feel as though you are overdressed compared to your interviewer then take off your suit jacket. Just remember that looks are the first impression you give when you walk into a room and before you say anything. You want to look clean and tidy in order to make a great first impression on the company.
4. Always Take 2nd Round Interviews – Even if you don’t feel as though the job is for you after your first interview, try to take advantage of 2nd round interviews if you get offered one. I suggest this for several reasons. Perhaps your 1st interview was not a clear depiction of the job or the company. You don’t want to judge how you feel just on a few hours. Another reason is that you get a lot of experience from doing actual interviews. Although you may not think you are right for the job, going on this interview may prepare you for a 2nd round interview at a job you really do want.
5. Follow-Up – Within 48 hours of meeting with your recruiter, you should always write a thank you note. A personal handwritten note is best because it gets the point across that you really cared that they took their time to interview you. If you are unable to write one, at least send an e-mail. E-mail is a little bit less personal but will still get your point across.
6. Network – This is one of the most important things to getting yourself in the right job. You want to connect with the right people. Make sure you are always friendly with anyone you meet at interviews and career fairs because you really never know who could be your next boss. Even when you get into your job, networking with everyone and anyone is extremely important for advancing within the company.
One of the best things to do in a time when no jobs seem to be on the market is to make sure you are being patient and consistently applying to whatever jobs you think you will be a good fit or that seem interesting to you. Don’t ever assume that you will not get an interview, because without applying you will never know!
1. Update Your Resume – Keep your resume updated constantly and have someone else read it over. You can stare at it for hours yourself, but you still make overlook some important aspects that should be added or even a spelling error. If your school offers a student career center then use it! Usually their services are free if they are through the school and they can be a huge help.
2. New Cover Letters – Yes, you can re-use your resume but do not re-use your cover letters. Make sure that your cover letters are as specific to the job that you are applying for as it can be. You don’t want the recruiter to read through your cover letter and think it is generic. Apply your experience and knowledge in your cover letter to things that relate to the job description that they provide you with. Make sure you also do your research before writing your cover letter as it will be important to meshing with the company’s culture.
3. Dress Professionally – It is better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview. Yes, the company may have a business casual work environment, but you want to make sure you look as professional as possible and show that you can look the part. If you feel as though you are overdressed compared to your interviewer then take off your suit jacket. Just remember that looks are the first impression you give when you walk into a room and before you say anything. You want to look clean and tidy in order to make a great first impression on the company.
4. Always Take 2nd Round Interviews – Even if you don’t feel as though the job is for you after your first interview, try to take advantage of 2nd round interviews if you get offered one. I suggest this for several reasons. Perhaps your 1st interview was not a clear depiction of the job or the company. You don’t want to judge how you feel just on a few hours. Another reason is that you get a lot of experience from doing actual interviews. Although you may not think you are right for the job, going on this interview may prepare you for a 2nd round interview at a job you really do want.
5. Follow-Up – Within 48 hours of meeting with your recruiter, you should always write a thank you note. A personal handwritten note is best because it gets the point across that you really cared that they took their time to interview you. If you are unable to write one, at least send an e-mail. E-mail is a little bit less personal but will still get your point across.
6. Network – This is one of the most important things to getting yourself in the right job. You want to connect with the right people. Make sure you are always friendly with anyone you meet at interviews and career fairs because you really never know who could be your next boss. Even when you get into your job, networking with everyone and anyone is extremely important for advancing within the company.
One of the best things to do in a time when no jobs seem to be on the market is to make sure you are being patient and consistently applying to whatever jobs you think you will be a good fit or that seem interesting to you. Don’t ever assume that you will not get an interview, because without applying you will never know!
its really good....:)
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