Do Four Things to Get the Job

Sitting at the front desk in a building that houses multiple companies, I see a lot. Job seekers come through, looking for that perfect match. Past my desk come many qualified candidates that ruin their chances with the same dumb mistakes. 

• Be on time. Such a simple requirement, but one of the most important things in an interview. Look at it this way, if a person can't be on time for the interview how are they going to get to work on time? Do a drive by the day before so you don't get lost the day of the interview.
• Dress like you want the job. Walking in wearing t-shirt and jeans doesn't show the employer anything but you're on vacation. Show them you want it. Wear a suit or nice pants and a button down shirt. Comb your hair. 
• Come prepared. Bring a resume and a list of references. Put them in a folder so they don't get wrinkled. A crumbled piece of paper pulled from your pocket shows the employer you don't care enough to keep it neat.
• Research the company on the Internet before your interview. Know what they do and find something special about the company to mention during your interview. Do your homework. Impress them with your knowledge of their company. 

I've seen too many potentially good candidates ruin their chances by making these dumb mistakes. Be on time, dress for success, be ready to sell yourself and do your research. These four things will put you ahead of the pack and increase your chances of getting the job. 

The Job Interview: Why You Blew it!

Five things that will blow your job interview:

     1. Late arrival. Be on time! Or maybe a few minutes early, but not an hour early. You were scheduled around the interviewer's work day. Respect that. Showing up 5 to 10 minutes early? Great! Showing up two hours early? DON'T DO IT! No you don't look anxious for the job or like a go getter. You look like someone who can't tell time or follow directions. In some companies there might be someone who has to keep an eye on you so you don't wander. You just screwed up their day. 

     2. Dress like a slob. Instead, dress like you want the job. Leave the t-shirt and hoodie at home and wear a shirt and tie. Or blouse and nice pants/skirt. Good shoes, no sneakers.  Make sure your clothing is clean. No stains. No missing buttons. 

    3. TMI. (Too Much Information) Don't say stupid things. We all know an interview can be an extremely nerve wracking experience, but keep your cool. Think about your answers. Go online and look up "Interview Questions." Most companies use the same type of questions so you might have an edge if you know the common questions. 

           a. Never tell them you smoked pot when you were younger or have a problem with alcohol. 

           b. Don't complain about your family. 

           c. Never say anything bad about your last boss or coworkers. 

     4. Bare your Ink. Tattoos. I love them, I have one, but cover them during the interview. Tattoos are one of those things people either love or hate. You don't know who you're meeting with or what their views are on ink. You want the job? Play the odds and cover the tats till you get the job. 

     5. Go empty handed. Be prepared. Bring a copy of your resume and references. Don't be digging in the phone to find numbers of your friends to put down as references. (Turn your phone off!)  If you don't have a resume, get one. Not a lot of work experience? Put volunteer work or special skills on it. Get help with that resume by someone who knows how to write one. Check with your local collage or library to find out where to get help. 

An interview is a chance to sell yourself to the company. Recite a list of the skills you have that fit this job before you go in so you'll have a better chance of remembering them when you're in the hot seat. If you have a friend or family member who'll practice interviewing you, do it! Practice can only make you stronger in when in the interview chair. 

Good luck! 

Job Interviews; View from the Front Desk

I sit at the front desk of a place that is hiring several different kinds of workers;
sales, laborers, drivers, etc. There's actually a few different positions that are or will soon be available.

Plenty of people come in to apply. Few will be hired. Wonder why? Well here are the top reasons they didn't get past the first interview.

1. Dress code; Don't come in wearing shorts, tank tops, and sneakers. Really? Those who maybe coming for laborer jobs might think those jobs are the construction jobs, digging, installing, etc, could show up wearing shorts, old t-shirts, dirty jeans, or whatever...but no. Dressing like you just rolled out of bed doesn't make you look like a good employee, much less someone they'd want to represent their brand. And it's disrespectful. You look like a slob and they'll show you to the door.

2. Be prepared. Make sure you know what goes on an application and keep that info on your phone or a piece of paper in your pocket. Saying you want to take the application home to fill out makes you look unprepared and like you need someone to fill it out for you. Not a good image you want to project on the new employer.

3. Come alone. Bringing your mom, your friend, the other friend who also wants a job makes you look helpless. You really couldn't come by yourself? You need someone to hold your hand? The buddy system is great, but not when applying for a job.

4. Be polite to everyone you meet. You never know who has the boss's ear and that includes the receptionist, cleaning crew or anyone walking by.

5. Come straight. Yes, we know if you've been drinking or on drugs. We see a lot of people and know what to look for so don't think you're fooling anyone. Stay straight to get the job.

Let's review;
         1. Dress nice. Sales jobs; suit and tie. Show them you want to impress.
                                Laborer/construction; Nice polo and khakis. Work boots will be okay but be sure they're clean.
                                Drivers; Nice polo and khakis. Leave the jeans home. They may be okay for work, but not for the interview.
                                Office workers: Wear a suit and show them you're a professional.
        2. Be prepared. A resume is always nice. Don't let your cover letter be too wordy. Get to the point. If you can't remember your references or info on your last few jobs, put it in your phone or on a piece of paper tucked in your pocket. (and turn those phones off during an interview-even the vibration mode can be heard-turn them off)
       3. If you don't have a car and need a ride, make them wait outside. They need to know you're an adult. Walk into the place of business alone.
       4. Always be polite. I've pushed for that well dressed and very polite young man to get hired and he did. The bosses sometimes rely on the staff to size up the perspective employee so know that everyone you meet is part of your interview.
       5. No drugs or alcohol. I know it sounds like commons sense, but a lot of people come in stoned or tipsy. We spot it right away. You are not fooling anyone. Don't reek of cigarettes either. Not everyone likes the aroma of an ashtray. Keep it out of the interview room.

Remember these few tips and you'll be miles above most of the people who applied for a job last week. Good luck!