Job Search Tips

Think "Strategic"

Contributing to an organization is more than just "working". Everything you do has to fit into a business strategy. To make what you do fit, you must first know what the strategy is. You must project this image on your resume and in the interview.

Think "Solutions"

Every problem or challenge has a solution. Every time you encounter a problem, you must think about a solution. If you, personally, don't know the solution, you need to find someone who does and ask them. Be known as someone who can get the answers. Make sure that the employer thinks of you in this way as well.

Think "Planning"

Everything you do must have a plan behind it. Planning is a pain, but is necessary to demonstrate that you are organized and in-charge. It also helps to ensure that projects are properly carried out. In the interview and on your resume, make sure you are thought of as one who plans.

Think "Attitude"

This is the time to be the most positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic person you can be! Do it even if you don't feel like it. Think of something to say good about the weather or your trip to the interview (don't say things like, "I had trouble finding your company"). Compliment the facility, the people, the company's location. Express appreciation that the interviewer has taken the time to talk to you!

Think "Appearance"

As much as we don't like to admit it, people make value judgments based upon how you present yourself. Be sure you're dressed appropriately for the interview. You can rarely be over-dressed, but certainly can be under-dressed. Get the book called "Dress for Success" by John T. Malloy and apply what you learn! Be sure that you are neatly groomed from head to toe, your clothes are clean, and your shoes are polished. If you are going to an afternoon interview, watch what you have for lunch. Things like indigestion, garlic breath, or a yawn (due to a big lunch) don't go over very well in an interview.

Think "Preparation"

Before the interview, practice answering "mock" questions with a friend as your interviewer. If you have the tools and the time, audio or video-tape your practice session. You will be amazed at what you see and hear about YOU! Practice, practice, practice!

If the interview location is not too far away, drive to the interview location the evening before and familiarize yourself with the travel route, parking location, entry door, etc. This will take the "where am I going" element out of the process and minimize the chance that you will get lost and be late for the interview.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. A good rule of thumb is to double the normal drive time, in case you run into unexpected traffic problems, detours, etc. If you arrive early, you can use it as extra interview prep time!

When you meet your interviewer, give them a firm (not "killer") handshake. Look them "square in the eye" when talking to them, not away from them or at the floor. At the interview, be prepared to talk 80% of the time. Know who you are. In one sentence, be able to describe yourself.

Be familiar with any formulas that back up claims of cost or time savings. This will help you feel more confident with how you helped your present or previous employers and the interviewer will pick up on it.

Never speak poorly about prior employers or people. Never say you didn't get the advancement you were looking for. Rather, say you are looking for greater advancement opportunities. Even better, say you are looking for an organization where you can contribute to their success and that you know your advancement will follow.

Research the company you will be interviewing with prior to the interview. Get answers to questions like: What is their principal product(s)? Who are the executives of the company? What is the company's annual revenue? How many locations do they have? Are they an International company? What is their most recent stock price (if traded publicly)? Where is the company based? How old is the company? What is the company's growth rate? What is the company's business philosophy? Use the questions above to help you generate 3 business-related questions to ask the interviewer. If you don't have questions to ask of them or their company, they may conclude that you aren't interested!