Guys, applying for jobs is the worst. My delay in postings has been from finishing up school and attempting to apply for jobs. I know it's not an excuse, but that's what I've been up to for the last few weeks. From here on out, I'm hoping it'll be smooth(er) sailing with hopefully more consistent posting.
For the last few weeks I've been working on endless applications, attempting to decipher fraudulent craigslist posts from legitimate ones, crafting follow ups, and trying to decide when it's appropriate for whichever number of follow up I'm working on.
I've got a few leads that I'm working on right now, which is so exciting. Nothing fabulous or full-time, just positions that I'm hoping to enjoy and be able to work around the summer classes I'm taking. It's all been such a process, I'm starting to consider myself somewhat of an expert on the whole thing. Here's some obvious and not-so-obvious tips I have for you:
Dress to Impress (but not for a date)
There are so many articles out there on how to dress for an interview, especially for women. There's the obvious - not too much leg, not too much cleavage - and the not so obvious. I'm one who tends to forget the "don't be overly fashionable" rule. I'm all for dressing to impress and dressing to be remembered, but wearing pink pants or a sequined dress shirt to an interview is almost always a no-no. The exception would be a fashion based job. Wearing all black and no jewelry is always safe, but it's not terribly memorable. While the goal isn't to be too flashy, I like to go with the idea that I'd like to be remembered. I tend to wear colored heals, a white button up with diamond buttons, or a classic but memorable bag. Each is simple, doesn't draw away from the overall professional look of the outfit, but if an interviewer compliments your shoes, likes your shirt, or notices your professional carrier, you stand out that much more in their mind.
Give Thanks
This one is pretty simple, but absolutely crucial in not only the search, but the interview and every step afterwards. If emailing your resume to HR, thank them for their consideration. If filling out a generic web application, place your thanks in the 'additional comments' box that is almost always included. If you get an interview, thank them for contacting you. Thank them when you get to the interview and when you finish. Then send out the ever-so-important thank you card after your interview. Each thank you is important and will set you apart from those who tend to forget the simplest of gestures go a long way.
Don't Sell Yourself Short
There's always an interview question about your accomplishments, or a line in a cover letter that requires you to promote yourself. Don't shy away from how great you are! If you wrote a business proposal in high school that the city picked up (even if it didn't go through to completion), say it anyways. You accomplished something great at a young age! Being considered for an honor even if you didn't make the final cut? You were still a candidate out of tens, hundreds, or thousands of others. Everything you do is probably fantastic. Make sure everyone knows it.
Be (Mostly) Honest
Don't lie about your age, your education or your abilities. Don't say you're proficient in Photoshop if you only use it to crop photos. But if your biggest weakness is time management or ability to work with others, it's okay to find a different weakness. Use your best judgement.
Go With Your Gut
This is the one I struggle with the most, and one I feel a lot of recent grads are going through. Applying for jobs is a process; there are applications and interviews, and some jobs move quicker than others. If I'm offered a job that I'm not a hundred percent sold on, part of me wants to accept the position simply because I'm afraid I won't find anything else. However, it is so important to trust your gut. If it's not a company you love, not a position you feel you can succeed it, or you're simply taking the position out of fear, it's not right for you. Keep persevering, you'll find the one.
Good luck everyone! I'd love to hear your tips for when you're 'on the hunt'!
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