Rules rule when job hunting

Mar 20th, 2006 | By Bill | Category: Employment News



Rules rule when job hunting

You only get one chance to make a first impression, the saying goes, and that’s never so true as when you’re interviewing for a new job.

And while it’s not easy to standout in this Uber-competitive world, employment experts suggest one way jobseekers can do just that is by creating their own “brand.”

“Wait a minute,” you’re thinking, “I have to go to Martha Stewart-like lengths just to land a good job these days?”

Well, not exactly, but it doesn’t hurt to send that potential new employer a clear message about what it is that you — and you alone — can bring to the workplace.

Think of it this way: If you, say, excel at being organized, make that your brand. Then carry that message over into your résumé by including that organizational theme in each of your accomplishments.

A saleswoman who is good at building relationships, for example, could carry that theme throughout her résumé, says Liz Benuscak, executive director at Bi-Coastal Resumes Inc., based in New City.

In doing so, she’ll illustrate how strong interpersonal skills have helped her achieve success throughout her career, Benuscak says.

Branding is big
If you’re having trouble envisioning just how important branding is, just try thinking of a car brand or two and see what comes to mind.

Take Volvo, the Swedish automaker whose image is often associated with safety — or BMW, which has billed itself as the “ultimate-driving machine.”

Such a strategy could prove advantageous to William Turson, a 48-year-old jobseeker who has held a variety of different jobs in the telecommunications sector. Turson says workers often feel they have to be all things to all employers.

Whether it’s putting experiences down on paper or sweating through an interview, Turson says, “You’re selling yourself that you can do everything and anything, even if you can’t.”

But Benuscak says the thing job candidates often forget is that interviewing is a two-sided coin.

“You’re interviewing the prospective employer just as much as he’s interviewing you,” she says.

That’s where branding can help. Jobseekers can better match their talents with those of a potential employer if they’ve identified their own strengths and learn how those meld with the mission of the company with which they are interviewing.

Beyond branding, Benuscak says there are a number of other details that workers should keep a sharp eye toward.

When crafting the cover letter that goes along with your résumé, keep in mind it’s a letter of introduction, not simply a rehashing of your résumé in narrative form.

“If there is a story to tell this is where you do it,” Benuscak says. Also be sure to proofread any correspondence you submit, regardless of whether it’s a cover letter, résumé or a thank-you note. Misspellings can kill any chance for initial or additional interviews.

And if you do get an interview, don’t forget to say thank you. A quick note shows a potential employer that you’re willing to go that extra step. But keep them professional and steer clear of being cutesy. Handwritten notes aren’t the best way to say thanks. But if you do send one, limit it to personal meetings, not for simple resume submissions.

Professional responses
OK. So you’ve mailed off your cover letters and résumés. Soon you’ll be expecting a bounty of calls. Be sure you can handle them. If your answering machine is on its last legs, this is the time to invest in a new one.

Also, be sure that your message is professional and timely. And if you share a house-hold telephone with others, make sure they are aware that it’s being used for a job search and to answer it accordingly.

If you don’t have an e-mail address, get one. Try to keep it simple and be professional here, too. Using a personal one along the lines of “hottie@isp.com could be the kiss of death,” Benuscak says.

Speaking of interviews, let’s talk dress. This is where prior research into a company and its culture can serve you well. After all, you won’t feel comfortable all dolled up in a business suit if the CEO sitting across from you is sporting dungarees.

“Find out what the dress of the firm is and act accordingly,” Benuscak says. Still, she says, applicants can rarely go wrong by wearing a suit (“Men can always remove a tie,” she says).

Arrive early — at least 15 minutes — and be polite to everyone you encounter. Don’t assume that a receptionist doesn’t hold sway on a candidate’s prospects. “More times than not the administrative assistant has a say on hiring and will be questioned on how the candidate behaves in the reception area,” Benuscak says.

Finally, be prepared to answer questions beyond a simple “yes” or “no” response. The interview is your chance to sell yourself, to talk up your accomplishments and to make that first impression one that your future boss will never forget.

Dos and don’ts when applying for a new job

• Update your résumé. Use active verbs and list your accomplishments, not merely your daily duties.

• Be sure to include a cover letter with all responses to job postings. Simply sending a résumé may send a message to a potential employer that you’re only willing to do what’s necessary.

• Create a brand. Find a theme by which to sell yourself and your talents.

• Make sure people can reach you. Establish an e-mail address that you can check frequently, perhaps one that links to a cell phone.

• Don’t use the same e-mail address you use with friends or on dating Web sites. Hotbabe@isp.com won’t garner much respect by the person vetting résumés.

• If you direct calls to your home phone, be sure you have a reliable answering machine. If you live with others, be sure they’re aware that you’re job seeking and to answer calls accordingly.

• Be sure to follow up on résumé submissions with a telephone call, an e-mail or a written note in about a week to 10 days after sending them in.

• Keep all correspondence professional, right down to thank-you notes. Reserve handwritten notes for informational interviews or tips.

• Dress appropriately for the interview. In general, it pays to stick with business attire.

• Arrive to interviews at least 15 minutes early. That should give you sufficient time to compose yourself and go over what you want to say.

• Be polite to everyone you encounter at the prospective employer’s office.

• Remember to expand on your answers beyond a simple “yes” or “no.” The interview is your chance to sell yourself and your talents. Don’t expect that your résumé will say everything about you that you think it should.

• If given an opportunity to ask questions, be sure to have at least one ready and make sure it isn’t about salary or benefits. Here’s where a bit of research about the company can pay off.

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