A-Z Career Advice
Presented to you by MARILYN TAYLOR MEDICAL PERSONNEL
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 or tuition reimbursement
when considering a position.
Check:
Check our website each
Sunday/Monday for updates on jobs:
Directions:
Get clear directions to your interview
location. Getting lost on the
way 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 at all times. A candidate who glances out the window
expresses a lack of interest in the position.
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 handshake.
It may seem corny but you’re showing confidence and initiative.
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 at your local library. We have multiple ways of accessing information
on jobs and careers for young people as well as adults, says Susan Kent, city
librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library. If you're looking for a company in L.A.,
our staff should be able to help you with our journals and numerous resources.
Location:
Where you work impacts your physical and mental
health. Do you need to
work within 15 minutes of your home? Do you want to spend three hours stuck
in Los
Angeles traffic? Be
sure to consider your commute when looking for a new job.
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?
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.
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.
Questions:
Avoid the silent pause at the end
of an interview. Come prepared
with a list of questions about the company, the job and the potential for
advancement.
Resume:
It is the most important document
in your job search. It should
summarize your experience and illustrate why you are an ideal candidate for the
position.
Samples:
Whether you’re applying for a job
as a graphic designer or customer service representative, you’ll need to
provide samples of your work to show your level of expertise, either by sharing
a hard copy or an example.
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.
Writing:
Make a good impression from the
start by submitting an error-free resume and cover letter. It depends on the severity of the mistake
and how much their qualifications meet our needs, says LD Reyer, chief operating
officer for Murphy O'Brien in Los Angeles. An error is not a fatal mistake but more
than likely will be brought up in the interview process if we do decide to
bring them in for an interview.”
Xerox:
Xerox additional copies of your
resume to be prepared.
You:
Don't worry about someone else's
opinion on salary, titles or responsibilities- the perfect job is one that's
best for you. Do something you
love.
Zzzzz:
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.