Better Job Search Tips

I have seen countless numbers of people, including the students at the institution where I am currently the Director of Placement Services, come to my office and frustratingly ask me why they are not getting hired even though they go to countless interviews and have filled large numbers of employment applications.

Usually the first thing that I ask them is to see their resume, and it never fails that eventually I come across someone who does not have one.

Resumes are crucial in today's market and they must be up to date, easy to follow and must list important facts and qualifications if you want to be noticed and secure an interview.

Your resume should or rather must have your contact information clearly posted and visible such as your telephone, your email. We recommend not to incorporate your address since we have seen some individuals being discriminated due to where they live mostly due to a concern surrounding traveling distance.

Another factor to consider is to evaluate yourself; ask yourself what are you, in other words what do you do for a living; a teacher, a plumber an H.V.A.C technician and so on. Whatever title you decide better describes your area of expertise is what you should include in the resume right below your name and usually in bold;

John Doe

Social Services Professional with over 12 years of experience

This brings your expertise to the immediate attention of the hiring manager if your expertise is something that the job requires and it makes it easier to catalog you.

Also recommended is to read your resume carefully and highlight or embolden qualifications that pertain to the job or the position that you are applying for such as; type 60 words per minute and very experienced in using Excel if you were applying for a clerical position.

Your resume should also contain any skills that might be usable or applicable toward the position; such as mastery of the English language or fluent in Spanish for example if you were to be applying for a position that deals with Hispanic clientele or requires good reading and writing skills. When detailing your skills include and bold those that apply to the position and don't forget to mention any volunteering that you have done that can be relevant to the position such as teaching employability skills to others at my local church.

Not to be overlooked are your interviewing skills; do you dress appropriately and how do you appear when being interviewed such as appearing nervous or relaxed, fidgety or at ease. Do you have a strong handshake and maintain eye contact and what questions do you ask when prompted by the hiring manager. Consider doing some basic research about the company.

This shows that you are interested in the position not just looking for a job just to pay the bills; in other words you must show that you are willing to grow with the company not just leave them at the first instance that something better comes along.

Remember that companies put up training and other expenses when training a new member of their staff and they want someone who will be with them for the long run.

It is not a bad idea to ask the person who has just interviewed you if they would be willing to contact you if you are not chosen for the position and share the reasons for not hiring you.

Tell them that their input and advice will be useful in the future and you welcome it. You will be surprised by how many hiring managers will actually follow through and honestly share their impressions and the reasons of why you were not hired.

Don't' go into an interview and appear desperate, your skills and confidence should speak for themselves. Also good is never to tell the interviewer that you will do anything, take any job and any salary. This sounds odd and its a sign of desperation. Instead emphasize why your skills and experience make you a good candidate and that you are willing to let your work speak on your behalf.

One of the best answers I have ever heard an applicant say to why he should be hired was "if you can find someone who can do the job better, has more skills and experience than I do, then hire them instead." He was ultimately hired.

Don't be disappointed by their remarks, take them as a learning experience which can only make you a better prospect down the road by modifying any behaviors or working in improving any areas on which you may be deficient. Many hiring managers will take your request as a good sign and if has often been the key that has made them take a second look at you.

If you find that your qualifications seem to be above the requirements for the position, make sure to explain that you are willing to start at a lower skill level because it is your intention to grow and advance yourself through your efforts. Many hiring managers are weary of hiring anyone who is overqualified since most people will leave the job when something else presents itself and the company would have wasted all of their effort and training dollars on you.

Other factors to evaluate is your email address. Is it a good email name or the one that you use for personal reason such as a more appropriate johndoe@yahoo.com or a less appropriate Susybrowneyes@yahoo.com. Think of how you would react upon seeing a funny, odd sounding or worst email address on an application.

If you have references make sure to include this fact in the resume but do not actually list them or provide them until you are asked. Not to be included are any personal information such as birthday, age, religious and sexual inclinations or number of children or relationship status.

These are not only inappropriate but illegal to ask by any employer and can be detrimental if included since many hiring managers will immediately discard any resume with such information as a way of protecting themselves against any discrimination action.

Employment agencies can be a valuable source of leads, but familiarize yourself with their terms. Many will charge you and the employer a fee and some can even prevent you from seeking another position with any other agency or from accepting an offer from the employer directly.

Finally, there are many sites that you can use to look for jobs. One of the best are the many workforce sites provided for and maintained by each state through an independent agency.

The jobs postings are always verified, it shows you how many people with the same skills are available in your area, the average salary, required skills & education, it cannot result in any expenditure of money by the applicant even if the job opening is posted through an employment agency and can offer any employer who hires you through it federal and state tax incentives which can prove to be a valuable asset in you employment search.

Plus local offices are staffed by social services professionals who can help with the job search as well as assist you with a myriad of other services.