Ways To Stand Out While CAREER Hunting | Career Hunting Prep, Phone Interview, Face-to-Face Interview

Ways To Stand Out While Career Hunting

Career Hunting Prep –

• Follow these steps for solid Career Hunt Prep.
• Set up an online portfolio, if applicable.
• Update your LinkedIn Profile. It should read like your resume!
• Tailor your resume to the job that you are applying for.
• Include portfolio, and business related social links in your resume.
• Send your resume as a MS Word document or PDF.
• Don’t use unusual graphics, pictures, or columns on your resume. These things do not translate into Application Tracking Systems (ATSs)!
• Do not say “References available upon request”.
• Lose the objective on the resume.  Instead include a branding statement.

Phone Interview Prep –

• Research the company.
• Review the LinkedIn Profile of your interviewer(s).
• Study the job description, and be prepared to discuss how your qualifications match the job.
• Choose a quiet location to take the call.
• Have your resume in front of you for quick reference.
• Smile!  This comes through during a phone interview.  Trust me!
• Allow a pause before taking your turn to speak.
• Have a couple of prepared questions to ask the interviewer. The questions should be related to the company or job.
• Do not ask about pay or benefits at this point!  That will come later.
• Express your interest in the opportunity and ask what the next steps are.
• Thank the interviewer for his or her time.

Face-to-Face Interview Prep –

• Arrive at the interview 10-15 minutes early.  If you arrive earlier, sit in your car until the appropriate time to go in.
• Dress professionally.  If working with a recruiter, discuss this with them.  They should be able to guide you.
• Take a long a few copies of your resume.
• Turn off your phone before going into the interview. If they take you back immediately…you don’t want to be dealing with turning the phone off.
• Be kind to all that you meet.  Including the receptionist!
• Shake hands.  Be sure to use a firm handshake.
• Listen carefully.
• Prep for the interview, by reviewing the company online, appropriate LinkedIn Profiles, and studying the job description.
• Have a couple of prepared questions to ask the interviewer. The questions should be related to the company or job.
• Do not ask about pay or benefits at this point!  That will come later.
• Thank the interviewer for his or her time.
• Express your interest in the opportunity and your desire to go to the next step.
• Be able to sum up your experience, and while you feel you are a good fit for this role!
• Send a hand written thank-you note.