With thousands of new layoffs announced every day, any employer with an open position is seeing hundreds of applicants. As the job market tightens, potential employers will look for the best. Job hunters are playing the A-game even when applying for jobs that are not exactly what they want.
Many companies believe they have retained the top employees and all that is left in the market are mediocre employees. When there is an opening, many employers don't have high expectations. If a candidate is well-dressed, has a clean, error free resume and has a good interview, employers will be impressed. Exceed their expectations in the interview and application process and you will have a better chance of getting the job. You can begin impressing the future employer from the very beginning until the interview is completed.
- When a potential employer calls you to schedule an interview they do not want to hear music talking about drinking at the bars, getting down with the ladies, or rolling like a pimp. Set your ring tone back to the traditional ring. Your voice mail message should also be changed. Don't say, 'Yo, I'll holla back at ya!'' Sound professional and you have a better chance at getting the interview.
- Dress up for the interview. You may not be able to afford a $1,000 suit, but you can iron what you are wearing and make sure that it fits. No interviewer wants to see your belly so avoid shirts that ride up or that are too small. Even if the dress code for the job is casual, dress professionally at the interview.
- During the interview, sit up straight in the interview chair, maintain eye contact and pay attention to what the person conducting the interview is saying to you.
- Always turn your phone off or to vibrate when you are filling out job applications or interviewing and never look at or answer your phone in the middle of an interview.
- After the interview, shake hands and ask when the company expects to make a decision. Ask how they will contact the person who gets the job. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time.
- Send a handwritten thank you note after the interview. This shows initiative and interest in the position.
Don't just assume a stellar resume and qualifications will get you the job. Your performance during the interview is important.
About the Author:
Michael D. Hayes is a native of Arizona, and is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management. He purchased Momentum Specialized Staffing in 2003 when the company's primary business line was recruiting commercial truck drivers. Michael has transformed the company into a successful full-service staffing provider. Michael is a member of the Executives' Association of Greater Phoenix (EAGP), 100 Club of Arizona, Men's Art Council, and The Arizona Trucking Association. Read his blogs at www.momentumstaffing.wordpress.com or www.phoenix.jobing.com