Get the Job You Want

With the recent downturn in the economy, there are more job seekers out there than ever. Once getting past the application process, it can get pretty competitive. A job interview doesn't necessarily mean that you will get the job. There are however, a few things that you can do to improve your chances of getting hired. This just may be the one article you read that gets you a call back.

There are a few basic things that I hope anyone searching for a job already knows, but just in case, I'll cover the basics. You should always be on time, a little early actually. Appearance is very important. Make sure that you are well groomed and dressed appropriately. Take a quick look in the mirror before entering the building, you don't want food between your teeth or your hair sticking straight up. Take out excessive piercings and cover tattoos, unless you have applied for a position within one of these industries. Last but not least, don't do any extreme looks. Makeup should not be overdone and garments should not be tight, short, or otherwise ill fitting.

Now, let's get down to the interview itself. You should appear confident, even if you don't feel that way. That means no slumping in your chair and maintaining eye contact. A common mistake that some job seekers make is not asking questions during the interview. Asking questions conveys interest and general enthusiasm about your employment opportunities within the company. Remember, although you are "selling yourself", you don't want to appear to be an easy buy. Ask the interviewer what the employer has to offer in terms of benefits, perks, bonuses, the things that you really want to know about.

As can be expected, you may be asked some tough questions. Do not lie about previous employment. Rather than telling the interviewer that you disliked your last jobs, phrases such as "my previous employment simply was not fulfilling my needs", is more appropriate. You may be asked to elaborate, do so in a respectful manner without implying that you harbor ill feelings or feel negatively about your past employers. There is a big myth that potential employers do not check with past employers, but this is not necessarily the case. When jobless rates are high, employers have a larger pool of applicants and they will check.

Think about some possible questions that you may be asked and how you will respond ahead of time. If you are caught off guard by a particular question, do not let it show. If you do not understand the question, don't simply say what. Rephrase the question in your own words before answering, not only does this help get your thoughts together but it shows that you are listening. In my last job interview, I was ask to describe a mistake I had made on the job and how I handled it. If this happens, use it as an opportunity to elaborate on what you have learned from that particular situation. Make sure that you use an example that ended on a positive note. Above all, put thought into possible questions a day or so before your interview. This will not only better prepare you but will help to calm your nerves.

Go over a copy of your resume prior to the job interview. Know what skills you have that will directly affect your prospective employer. During the interview, make it a point to tell the interviewer why you would be an asset to the company and how your skills directly relate to the position applied for. Don't use statements such as " if given the opportunity", rather state that "I would be an excellent candidate" and go on to say why. You don't want to make statements that sound as if they are taking a risk or giving you something, you want to make statements that support that you would be a benefit to the particular organization.

Make sure that you thank the interviewer for his or her time and ask when you can expect to hear something from them. Follow up with a thank you note or a phone call if you haven't heard from the employer. There are lots of job seekers out there. Do not become discouraged if you didn't get the job. This doesn't mean that you weren't qualified, perhaps someone else was just more qualified. No matter how many interviews you have before you land the job you want, always remember to use the proper etiquette described. It really could be the difference in whether or not you get the job.