GeorgiaJobWatch.com
Job Search Mistakes
Are you mostly innocent or guilty of these job search mistakes?
I have a job now but I am looking. Some people at work know about it. Are you guilty or innocent?
Bad move. You can bet your boss also knows. When you begin a job search while currently employed it is best to keep it quiet. A better position may open up in your company. Would you be considered for it if your boss knows you are looking around? Would they indicate on a reference check that you are a job hopper?
My applications don't really look that good. Guilty? Innocent?
A clean and complete application with good business references is a must. Many companies will not even consider an incomplete application. Make sure your employment dates are correct, that references can be reached and there are no untruths on the application.
I did my own resume. Guilty? Innocent?
Writing your own resume can be a plus if you know what you are doing. At the least have someone else view your resume for mistakes, spelling & incomplete information. You could have have a professional create your resume. A pro can bring out your strong points written in a manner that hiring managers understand. The average cost is $80.00 to $100.
I am applying to a company and have no idea what they do. Guilty? Innocent?
This is a big no! Hiring managers appreciate it when you have taken the time to learn about the company beforehand. In your learning journey you may discover you have skills the company is looking for. Check their website or do other research to learn about them.
I hate job interviews and always feel I have done poorly. Guilty? Innocent?
You hate the job interview because you are not prepared. This can be a nervous time for you and the person doing the interview. But you can be successful if you prepare by rehearsing.
Write down 20 questions that you would ask someone if you were doing the interview. Go over these many times out loud. Get used to hearing your voice giving the answers. Ask a friend or spouse to interview you for the job.
I don't know what to ask the interviewer when she asks, "Do you have any questions?". Guilty? Innocent?
The questions you ask may be the key to that new job. Here are several questions you may ask that show you are up to date and interested.
I spend more on pizza and movies than I do on learning how to get a job. Guilty? Innocent?
It's a fact. Most of us will spend more on the latest CD's then we will on purchasing information that will help us in one of the most important events in our life. Finding the right job! If you can't afford the very basic job search information at least visit your local library and check out some books on this all important subject.
I never know what to wear to the interview. Guilty? Innocent?
Business dress is always appropriate. At the very least wear clean, pressed clothing that would be suitable for the position you are applying for. Over the years I have interviewed over 2,000 potential job candidates. The tee- shirts, blue jeans, excessive body piercing, shorts and unkempt appearance always alerted me to the fact that this person just wants a job, any job, and could care less about my goals.
How did you do? Are you mostly guilty, mostly innocent or all of one or the other? Very few great jobs are found through luck and recommendations from the psychic hotline. Finding a great job is not magic or chance. Great jobs and even jobs you can live with are found by knowing where the jobs are and how to beat the competition.
Questions you can expect on a job interview other than a professional or management position.
Tell me about yourself. Don't you just love that one?
Try this example and fit it to your history. Most recently I worked at ABC on the production line with 8 team members making widgets. We reached record production along with surpassing all quality control standards. Before ABC I worked in a small office answering the telephone and customer questions. I was allowed to make customer service decisions without consulting a supervisor. My working goals have been to meet what is expected of me and look for ways to improve my job. Away from work I enjoy sports and have volunteered as an assistant coach for a little league baseball team. "Now shut up" Don't go on and on. Interviewers ask this question to see where you are going not where you have been. Stay away from as much personal information as possible. The interviewer is not interested in where you were born or how many times you have moved or where your favorite party spot is.
What did you like most about your last job?
Don't go overboard. The interviewer will wonder why you left such a great job.
What did you like the least about you job?
Be careful here. Never put anyone or another company down. You could say "I liked ABC company but felt I had reached my potential there and decided to seek a job that has more opportunities."
Was your company strict on being late for work or missing work?
The interviewer wants to know if you take the attendance policy seriously.
How would you handle this situation?
It is always safe to say, "I would follow company policy and contact a supervisor for help or guidance."
Are you available to work overtime?
Be truthful. Ask about the overtime requirements. If you can't meet it tell the interviewer.
Did you ever receive any awards or a bonus for excelling on your job?
If you received awards keep it short and sweet. If your last company was not big on handing out excellence awards say so. "ABC did not give out awards but the supervisors let us know when we had met or exceeded goals. A big thank you let me know I was on track and doing my part.
What did you like about your last supervisor or manager?
Be positive.
What did you not like about her or him?
Never, never, be negative. " I could not say anything negative. Even if I do not agree with my boss it's my job to work for them and keep a positive frame of mind."
If you truly want the right job prepare for your job search, prepare for your interviews and then prepare to start a new job, because good preparation will make it happen.
Article By Roc Walker