First impressions count in job hunt

Jun 2nd, 2007 | By Bill | Category: Employment News



First impressions count in job hunt

Still looking for that great summer job?

Ann Lattimore, a counselor with the Tennessee Career Center in Jackson, offered some tips for getting the job you want and keeping it.

It’s normal to feel nervous about a job interview, Lattimore said, but don’t be so nervous that your character doesn’t show through.
“The company doesn’t only want to know if you can do the job, but they want to know if you have a personality, too,” Lattimore said. “Something about personality lets them know if you will fit into the organization with other employees they have.”

She advises that job seekers do some research about the company they interview with.

“They may ask, ‘What do you know about this place?’ and, ‘Why do you want to work here?’” Lattimore said.

She said people should talk about their work experience, even if it was volunteer work.

“A lot of skills are from non-paid experiences, but they’re still skills you can use to describe yourself and abilities,” Lattimore said.

Job candidates should be prepared to ask questions, too, because it shows interest and could help clarify something that was mentioned in the interview.

“Just don’t ask questions about salary in the initial interview,” Lattimore said. “I wouldn’t until it is brought up.”

If you get the job, staying on the job is another thing, she said.

Here are some of Lattimore’s tips:

# Be on time.

# Personal calls and surfing the Internet should be reserved for your break or lunch.

# Stay away from gossip.

# Be clear on who to report to.

# Show initiative and be willing to take on new responsibilities.

# Be a team player.

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