Make yourself a standout candidate
Landing a job is not just about your credentials and experience. Sometimes it's the little things that stand out and make you a desirable candidate.
Paying attention to detail, leaving an impression at the interview and conducting a proper follow-up go a long way.
So how do you go about it?
First, prepare a focused, targeted resume and cover letter. Absolutely no typos tolerated. Make sure you use key words and phrases in the industry that recruiters will look for in your resume. For example, if you are applying for a publishing job, "editor" and "writer" are important catchwords.
Make your resume succinct and easy to read. Don't leave the reader asking questions. If you have an uncommon name, and it is difficult to tell your gender, perhaps you want to provide hints in the resume by adding a middle name, said Darlene Cook, career strategist and coach at Resumes and Beyond in Baltimore.
Depending on how much creativity the job entails, you may want to jazz up your resume and cover letter by highlighting your accomplishments and experience before listing the chronology of companies you have worked for and your schooling.
"People are designing wonderful envelopes and letterheads," said John Hawkins, president and chief executive of Aloysius Butler & Clark, an advertising and public relations company in Wilmington.
Once you've been invited to a job interview, find out the latest news about the company: Did it just merge with another company? What is the organization's mission?
When it comes time for the interview, show up on time. Dress appropriately in a business suit.
"Too many people come overdressed," said Barry Schlecker, president of The Network Group, a job search firm in Wilmington. "It's not a date - it's a business interview."
Some experts suggest you practice a short answer for obvious questions such as "Tell me about yourself?" or "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
If the job is in online sales, or requires a lot of public speaking and presentations, some companies expect you to pitch a sales idea to a group of interviewers. If you know you may be asked to do a presentation, you should prepare one. Candidates particularly good at making presentations may want to take this opportunity to talk about themselves.
"I have seen people who do a PowerPoint presentation that shows you whatever they have done in their life," Hawkins said. "It shows capability and ingenuity."
Schlecker said, "Be prepared to say nice things about yourself. Be positive without being cocky."
During the first interview, avoid any mention of salary expectation, benefits or vacation schedule. It's way too early to start negotiating.
Also, if asked why you left a company or your opinion about your employer, avoid being negative.
When wrapping up the interview, ask about the next step in the job application process and when the company expects to make a decision.
As soon as you leave the interview, send thank you notes to each interviewer. Notes are polite and distinguish an applicant from others vying for the same position, writes Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, a national staffing company and author of "Managing Your Career for Dummies."
More than half of the 150 senior executives polled by Accountemps said they prefer handwritten notes; 44 percent said they prefer e-mail.
Then give the company time to decide. When it gets closer to the deadline, call about the status of your application.
If the company offers you a job, be prepared to negotiate. Don't immediately say "Yes" if you have not had a chance to think about it.
If the answer is "No," don't fret. The best way to get better at interviewing and job searching is through practice.
"I don't think there is anything wrong if you don't get a job to say, 'Can you tell me why I didn't get the job?" Schlecker said. "Is there something you can do to help me in my next interview?' "
If you make a good impression, the recruiter or hiring manager will be honest. That person may even keep your resume on hand for future openings or refer you to another department.
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