The A-Z of Your Job Search

We want to share a few tips to help you maximize your job search efforts and reduce the time it takes to find a new opportunity.

Attitude

Its easy to get frustrated when looking for a job, but if you stick with a solid plan, stay focused and keep a positive attitude, you’ll see results.

Benefits

Salary isn't the only form of compensation.  Don't overlook unique benefits like on-site day care, 401(k), flexible spending, cel phone, office services or tuition reimbursement when considering a position.

Check

Check this website each week for updates on jobs!

Check your mirror and make a personal evaluation before beginning the interview process. 

*  Is it time for a hair fix (shaggy? time to touch up roots?)  If a claw clip is your main "do" it may be time for a new style. 

*  Are your fingernails neat and clean.  Nailpolish should be kept fresh and a conservative color.  Fills should be maintained.

*  Makeup - simple, nicely-done makeup gives a lady a fresh look.  If you haven't changed your makeup in 10 years, it may be time for a re-evaluation for current trends.  Go the the makeup counter for help - it will be fun and you'll feel pampered. 

Directions

Get clear directions to your interview location and parking and be sure to bring change for parking meters.  Getting lost on the way or being unprepared for parking doesn't make for casual pre-interview conversation.  It only reflects on your lack of preparation and professionalism.

Eye Contact

During any face-to-face meeting with a potential employer, keep eye contact.  A candidate who glances out the window expresses a lack of interest in the position.  Also a firm (not crushing) handshake while making eye contact and smiling instills confidence that you are interested about the position.  Practice shaking your own hand to get a good feel.  Think of tightening your forearm (between elbow and wrist) when you shake if your handshake tends to be a bit on the soft side. 

Follow-up

Don't send your resume into a black hole and sit by the phone waiting for a response.  Be proactive.  Call to express your interest in the job.  Send an e-mail to see if a recruiter will be calling you for an interview.

Goals

Set short-term and long term goals.  Where do you want to be in one, two, five and ten years in terms of salary, responsibilities and position?  The answers will help focus your job search.

Handshake

When you meet with prospective employers, offer a firm, full-hand handshake.  It may seem corny but you’re showing confidence and initiative. Practice shaking your own hand to get a good, confident feel and avoid too soft/hard or the "fingers only" touch :)

Interview

Tell your interviewer you want the job.  If you had a strong interview, the recruiter wants to hear your interest in the position.  Sell yourself, and then seal the deal.

Join

Sign up for professional organizations.  You’ll meet mentors and peers who can help advise you on career strategies.  You also may be able to take classes and seminars through the group, which will help strengthen your skills

Knowledge

Be well informed for your job interview by researching companies online.  If you don't always have access to a computer at home, you can use the ones at the public library for free with your library card.  The library also has resources such as journals and newspapers which can supply other information.

Location

Your commute to work in important to both you and your employer.  Punctuality is a top-priority in evaluating your job performance.  Your employer wants to be certain that you can arrive at work on time.  In thhe same light, you need to be comfortable that the location of your new office is going to work for your lifestyle.  What is the length of the drive you are willing to do?  Does it let you get home in time for family commitments?  If you have young children, how do your daycare hours factor into your drive including drop-off and pick-up time.  Before you accept a job, do the drive during the actual hours you will as an employee and be certain that it works for you. 

Money

Are you being paid what you're worth?  Job advisers often frown on lateral career moves, but what's so lateral about the same title and responsibilities if you’re making $10,000 more each year. 

Also, benefits can count for an additional 25% of value to your paycheck.  When an employer pays for benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching and parking, it adds up.  Going from a job without benefits to one with benefits saves you money out of your pocket so even if your pay doesn't increase, you are benefiting from the move!

If your employer has a 401(k) plan they match, you can't afford not to participate!  Learn how it works and know that for every dollar you set aside that they match, their matching dollar is additional "pay" toward your future.  Not participating lets the employer keep money they could have paid to you!

Networking

The cliché is true- it is who you know.  Remember not to ask your contacts for a job.  Instead, ask them if they have any advice or suggestions about your job search.

Also, if you are leaving a job on friendly terms ALWAYS get a job reference from your supervisor on company letterhead and signed!  If your boss is moving on and you have a good relationship, get them to write a reference for you on company letterhead before they go.  This eliminates the need for you to hunt them down later for a job referral which most companies require before hiring a new employee.

Organize

Keep a clear record of where you have sent resumes and who you have contacted for jobs.  You can avoid embarrassing repeat calls, and cross prospects off as positions are filled.

Preparation

Don't forget to brush up on interview presentation - how you'll sell yourself to the interviewer.  Don't expect to improvise - come prepared with a knowledge of their business, key names and questions for them. Review their website beforehand to get a feel for their company.

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Remember to fully silent your cel phone before entering the building.  You may need to get information from it so have it handy and on, but even a vibrating phone is distracting.

Questions

Avoid the silent pause at the end of an interview when they ask if you have any questions for them.  Come prepared with a list of questions about the company, the job and the potential for advancement.  With every question, have in mind extensions of the conversation that include how your skills can benefit them.

Resume

It is the most important tool in your job search.  It should summarize your experience and illustrate why you are an ideal candidate for the position. 

There are a variety of formats but a few key rules...

*  Accuracy -NO TYPOS!!!

*  The most current infomation goes first with older items following in time order. Address time gaps...if you stopped work to attend school - put it in.

*  Skills, just above Employment, highlight special skills, computer programs,  (Word, Excel, EMR programs, Billing programs...) and languages you speak/write.

* Your current job should always appear on page 1!  If, for some reason it doesn't because education or other is pushing it down - then move that below.  Your future employer needs to see what you are doing now - first!

*  Consistency in formatting.  If you use capital letters to begin bullets, do it on EVERY bullet.  If you use bullets to detail your job skills, be sure they are used the same way for all of your jobs.

*  Avoid paragraphs.  Bullets are good at highlighting your duties.  Be concise with job details and group "like" items together (ie: reception duties, fiancial, scheduling...

*  Bring a clean copy of your resume with you. 

Samples

Whether you’re applying for a job as a graphic designer or customer service representative, samples of your work or certificates to show your level of expertise are an asset.

Thank-You

Don’t overlook a thank-you letter.  It reaffirms your interest in the job and shows potential employers a level of professionalism they’ll appreciate in a candidate.

Update

Update your resume, even if you're working full time and love your job.  You never know when your situation may change

Voice

Speak clearly and slowly when discussing a job on the phone or in person.  It's a good idea to tape yourself speaking, to find your flaws, and then work on improving them.

Wardrobe

*  Try on your interview clothes... do they fit nicely, not too tight, no stains, tears...closed-toed shoes in good shape?  If not, a trip to a resale shop can help you update inexpensively.  Also, little things like a scarf or tie can cover up a less-than perfect shirt or too much cleavage and you'd be amazed what hand lotion can do to shine up a pair of leather shoes!

*  Guys - a collared shirt, trousers, belt and socks are always a minimum interview necessity.  A blazer is best but if you don't have one, a sweater is a good alternative option.

*  In a pinch...only if you are applying for a job where scrubs are the work clothes, wear your newest scrubs that are clean and ironed.

* Fit.  It doesn't matter what size you are, clothing that is too tight, shows cleavage, tummy, bath or thighs just doesn't do well in an office environment.  Cover up for the interview process and until you see what is standard in your new office environment.

 Xerox

Always bring your driver's license and copies of any other special licenses you may have for their personnel file if you are hired (X-Ray, RN....) 

You

Don't worry about someone else's opinion on salary, titles or responsibilities- the perfect job is one that's best for you.  Dosomething you love.

Zzzzzzz

If you're yawning during an interview, you might as well have "I'm bored!" written on your forehead.  Get a good night's sleep before you meet with a potential employer.