Greetings to all!
Do you happen to have an interview coming up? Or, are you in the process of looking for a job? Great! I have some tips that will help you put you on top!
First, there's the resume. Your resume will tell employers who you are, what you are looking for employment wise, your past/current education, your skills, qualifications, affiliations, as well as basic information, such as your address. Believe it or not, but resumes are very powerful because it is given one chance to impress or...be "filed" (aka: trash can). So due to this, make sure it is very neat, clear, and straight to the point! If you don't have any past jobs to list, put some volunteering events you've done, along with the organization and amount of time served. Your resume should be no longer than one page, BIG RULE. Think about it, would YOU want to read a resume that is 4 pages long...No, I didn't think so. Keep it concise and to the point. If you are still confused on how to begin, go to Google and type in "Resume Examples," or "How to write a resume." Trust me, it will help you! However, please don't fall into the trap of "purchasing" a resume online, you can do it! I believe in you! Even if the employer does not ask for your resume when you go in store to apply, STILL give it to them in addition to the application. If you are applying online, most places will let you upload your resume right from your computer...always do!
So! You received a phone call from one of the employers, great! When you answer the call, sound professional, yet slightly excited. You don't want to sound boring, or like you are about to die...okay, bad example. BUT, you catch my drift. Sound interested in what the manager is saying to you! Once they communicate to you that they would like you to come in for an interview and they tell you the date and time, MAKE SURE you write it down! In your excitement, you would hate to hang up, and then forget what they said. Yes, major bummer. So to avoid that, just write the info down somewhere. In addition, ask for their name, if they haven't told you already. Its always nice for when you come to the interview, when you ask for that particular person, or you mention their name in registration. For example, let's say the manager I speak to name is Jane. I would go to the interview ON TIME, and say "Good afternoon, my name is Victoria Mangham and I was called for an interview today with Jane?" Trust me, it works! It shows you care.
The next step is to RESEARCH. Yes, I said it. Research. You must have knowledge on the company you have an interview for. This applies even if you have been to that place a thousand times, you can always learn something new! What I mean by research is to look up what the company sells, the area they serve, what is the age range of their customers, maybe even learn who the parent companies are. You never know what they will ask you at the interview, so its better to be safe than sorry...so be prepared!
ATTIRE. Attire is very important! What you wear to your interview is a part of your first impression on the employer. This applies even if you are being interviewed at Dollar Tree, Walmart, even CVS, DRESS PROFESSIONAL. Yes, professional. When you are dressed for success, it says something about you as an individual; that you care enough about this potential job that you woke up 2 hours ahead of time to dress in a suit & tie (for my gentlemen) or a suit & heels (for my ladies). Now, for my women: hosiery is important as well. If you wear a skirt or pants, hosiery gives you a smooth line underneath and keeps you un-bulky...if that's a word. I don't think it is, but you catch my drift (: What I usually wear to interviews are either a skirt suit with a blouse or a pant and blouse get-up. You want to make sure you do not show cleavage, or thighs during your interview: IMPROPER. They will probably not take you seriously. Heels always give ladies amazing posture, but if you're not into that type of thing, flats are just fine! No gym shoes, flip flops, or sandals. Just no. For my gentlemen, same rules apply. A suit is always nice, but just a shirt, tie, and pants will work. You are applying for a job, employment, an occupation, a position...treat it as such.
Your ARRIVAL. On time means to be early. Being on time means you are late. Please arrive to your interview at least ten minutes ahead of start time. It may help to do a "practice run," that is to time how long it will take you to drive, park, and walk to the building. Leave your phone in the car, and ladies, be careful of how big your handbag is. You don't want that to distract. Once you arrive, SMILE. Geesh guys, smile! Look interested. Once you meet the employer, manager, or boss, if they offer to shake your hand, do so. Nice and firm. Yes ladies, you too. Now, I do not mean squeeze the living daylight of out them. I mean give a FIRM handshake, show slight authority. Don't run away with it. So yes, smile, handshake. Once you sit down, make sure you are sitting upright and not slouched! You are still being evaluated. Eye contact, small gestures are key. Conversation is key. Try to avoid saying "Ummm..." & "Well..." Answer each question with confidence, staying focused. Usually, at the conclusion of the interview, they will ask you if you have any questions...always have AT LEAST one question to ask them, even if you already know the answer. Sample questions are: "How long does training take in this position?" "What do you like best working for this company?" "What does it take to become successful in this position?" ...the question is up to you. At the conclusion, one more handshake and a confident smile will get you out of there.
It will take approximately 2 days to a week for the employer to contact you about the position if they chose you. Most times, they will not communicate with you if you did not get the job *sad music* BUT if you do receive that phone call of success, you will feel like the baby to the right...like "YES. I did it. Watch out now." OR you will be like me, running through the house, screaming, singing, dancing, jumping, and doing push ups. Either victory reaction is acceptable. If you do not get the job, PLEASE do not become discouraged. TRY AGAIN. Look for more job opportunities and apply, apply, apply! In summer 2011, I applied to 20+ places, only to receive 3 phone calls for separate interviews, in which only ONE asked me to work for them. NEVER GIVE UP! Keep going and keep the faith!
Some amazing places for job searches:
This has to be my longest post ever. Wow. But, I hope that I helped you all that are on the search or are preparing for an interview soon. Stay confident, be you, and have fun! If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them!
God Bless,
Tori :)
