National Boss Day
Finding a new job is sometimes easier said than done. You have to research potential employers, practice interview skills, and make a lasting impression. This week we have some pointers to help you to find, land, and keep the job. Also, be sure to earn some brownie points with your boss on October 16th -- It’s National Boss’s Day! Getting your boss a gift is an unexpected way to show them that you appreciate all they do.
Research, Resume, and Resilience
The first step to finding a new job is researching potential employers. Start by using an established job-search website. Narrow down your search by industry and region. Once you find a position that interests you, look up the company’s website or any reviews that might be posted about the business. Getting to know the company’s history, philanthropy, and reputation might help you choose which job will be the best fit. You can also use the company’s information in the interview to show that you have made an effort to get to know them.
Make sure you have a genuine and professional cover letter to accompany your resume (don’t just copy and paste a cover letter from a web-search template). Your resume should be thorough but concise, easy to read, and shouldn’t take up more than one page. There are some creative and unique resume templates out there, but be sure to match your resume style to the style of the company. For example, a graphic design company might like to see geometric shapes, colors, bar charts, and clip art. However, an accounting firm would probably prefer to see a traditional resume.
After you’ve sent in your cover letter and resume, follow up with a phone call. If possible, get the contact information of the specific person that is hiring. Following up your resume with a polite phone call shows initiative that might give you an edge over other applicants. Be prepared to answer some basic questions regarding your interest in the job and your work experience. If the company is nearby, you might also consider stopping in for a face-to-face visit with the hiring manager. A face-to-face visit will show the employer that you are dedicated and ambitious. It also gives them a chance to see how you present yourself and make a first impression. Make sure to be dressed for success and interview-ready when you stop in.
Most importantly: the interview. Once you’ve landed an interview, confirm the day, date, time, and name of the person you’ll be interviewing with. Go over the company’s information again, review your resume, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a hearty breakfast. Dress professionally and portray a clean, tidy appearance. Show up at least 15 minutes early in case you have trouble finding parking or the location of the office space. When talking with the hiring manager, be yourself! Over-rehearsed interview answers are easy to spot and awkward. Most of the time the interviewer wants to see your personality come through, regardless of your experience. It’s also a great idea to have two or three company-specific questions prepared for the interviewer. You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and say thank you. If the interviewer doesn’t contact you when they say they will, follow up with a phone call. Being prepared, genuine, and resilient will make a great impression on the employer that is right for you. Of course, once you get the job, you’ll have to continue displaying positive qualities and pursuing excellence each day.
Boss’s Day
Often times bosses, managers, supervisors, etc. do work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed. They maintain relationships with clients, analyze and develop best practices, and overall ensure that the operation keeps running smoothly. Show your boss on October 16th that their dedication is appreciated with their very own Maglite -- the gift that keeps on giving! The Mini Maglite Pro LED Pocket/Purse Flashlight makes a great, classy addition to any boss’s desk or briefcase.