Your resume and cover letter provide the first impression that a prospective employer will make about you, so take the time to polish them up. Make them sound professional, yet be sure to convey a bit of your personality in the cover letter. You want to be memorable enough that the person responsible for selecting new applicants will take the time to carefully consider yours.
You want to give them a reason to hire you in your cover letter and resume. You can do this effectively by pointing out your skills, your ambition, and any unique qualities that you have. Make sure you are not coming off cocky, however, as no one wants to hire a know it all; there is a difference between bragging and knowing what you do well.
Be punctual, and stick to your agreements. If a prospective employer asks you to provide them more information, do so as soon as you can. Don’t wait and put it off; make it your highest priority. Getting things done early is a good attribute to have, and your prospective employer will recognize this.
During your job search, keep all methods of communication professional. Keep the voice mail on your cell phone friendly and courteous, and encourage the caller (employer) to leave a voicemail and ensure a prompt call back. When you give out your resume, phone number, e-mail address, or any other contact information, you are inviting communication between yourself and your potential employer, so be prepared. The interview process might begin from the first point of contact, such as a phone call.
Some quick tips for marketing yourself:
- Use warm body language. Look confident, relaxed and smile. Portraying a positive image is more likely to receive a positive reception.
- Be prepared to handle all questions and objections. Don’t be afraid to break the ice by answering questions like “tell my about yourself”, or “why do you want to work at COMPANY NAME?”
- Don’t cover your face. This does not project confidence, and shows insecurity. It may seem unnatural at first, but you will eventually realize that you don’t need to be covering yourself.
- Sit up straight. Don’t slouch or put your feet up. If you are in an interview, this is more common sense than anything.
- Shake hands. Use a firm handshake. It should last long enough for you to notice the color of the other persons eyes.
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After the handshake, and recogninzing the other’s colors… gaze deep into the dude’s eyes and say..
“Why, Mr. Baker, you have the prettiest hazel grey eyes I’ve ever seen… It’s like a color found only in a painting, but you actually have it..!!!”
And you’ll pretty much blow the interview.
Yeah, he may think you were hitting on him
However, if you are a pretty lady, then probably you may blow the interview, but get married
depends on what you’re applying for =o)
Isn’t that in a movie?
I always get carried away with the “tell me about yourself” question. They start learning my life history, now I know why I blog for a living.
..You know what I wouldn’t have it any other way
Tell them that you are a freelance writer That’s all they need to know…
I always get stumped by this question, no matter how many times they ask me I can’t formulate a good answer.
Dylan
All good pointers, others:(1)have a couple copies of your resume ready and one specifically for your reference, (2)along with a list of personal as well as business references but don’t supply your references unless asked,(3) have a notepad and pen ready in case you might need to write something down-even if you don’t use it -looks like your prepared just in case,(4) ask for business card(s) at end of interview.
Unfortunately this still won’t always work sometimes believe me, watchout for the question(s) on salary.
I thought that I would be thourough and ask what the job would entail and even asked (if they did not mind, in other words I hope it’s not too much trouble) if I asked them if they could describe a typical day or duties required of the position so I can get a better understanding of what is required before making a decision. (which in all my interviews they seem comfortable with providing, except for one {and he was not someone I would be comfortable working for anyway})
I asked them then what they felt was their range for someone in this position. I gave them a number (modest) expressing that I am negotiable and that I understand the need by an employer and an employee to have goals to work towards and do not believe that it’s a good idea to start someone out too high.
[I know what you might be thinking, This guy probably shot them an exorbent number; trust me no where near, actually just enough to live on with a little breathing room, thinking they would be happy with that number.]
The result seems to be always the same we will get back with you, we will keep your resume on file, etc. etc. meaning we will keep trying until we get someone at the very bottom of our pay range because the market is tough. It’s funny I make it a point to keep track of the positions that come open in my field and these same jobs that I’ve interviewed for and got no job offers are the same ones with high turnover rates. Probably a good reason to be thankful I did not land the jobs…:)
I don’t think my resumé is very well done, but I’ve been hired to every job I’ve ever been interviewed for, I guess I’m a bit of a talker.
Dylan
Not much here about marketing yourself.
I don’t know though if this post was “tips” so much, as just plain common sense.
What is the alternative…don’t be prepared, cover your face, slouch, and look out the window when you shake hands?