Making that Dream Job Yours

After spending years in a classroom, and thousands of dollars on a quality education, there is yet one more obstacle college graduates must face before they can fulfill their life-long aspirations and gain financial independence. That is the job interview.

Unlike community colleges, top name universities and trade and business schools, employment applications are limited to one available seat. It goes without saying the more prestigious the position, the more difficult landing the job will be. Being in the right place, at the right time, is an outdated strategy in today's workforce, as is depending solely on a recently awarded diploma.

A well-polished resume, also known as curriculum vitae, is an absolute must for gaining one-on-one access to the job interviewer, who must sift through all the applications to shortlist potential employees he feels will be an asset to the company. Making yourself look good on paper won't guarantee the job is yours but it can give you a competitive edge over other applicants, thus increasing your chances of making the shortlist of potential candidates vying for the position.

Simply put, your resume is the first of only two "first impressions" you will have with the job interviewer, the second being at the interview itself. Don't sell yourself short, presenting a resume written "on the fly" will not only be overshadowed by the many other well-written resumes being considered but will also significantly lessen your chances of employment. Familiarizing yourself with the current format and guidelines for writing a resume is a worthwhile investment for developing a resume able to withstand the job interviewer's scrutiny. To further your chances of being called " in" for an interview you may want to consider having your resume prepared by a professional resume writing service.

Preparing for the interview is integral to getting hired. This is your second and final chance to impress the interviewer. Having read your resume he or she suspects you may be right for the job on paper. An impressive resume must be followed up with an interview that not only reinforces the resume but also allows the interviewer a glimpse into the man or woman behind the resume. The last thing an employer wants to have happen is to find they have hired the wrong person and have to repeat filling the position 6 months later!

To continue, and improve upon, the competitive edge gained through your resume as you proceed to the interview process, outshining the competition is the name of the game. Attitude, appearance and any other positive qualities learned outside of the classroom are your greatest asset during the interview. Having a degree or experience, or lack thereof in some cases, doesn't indicate to the interviewer whether or not a candidate meets the company's definition of "employee." A fact that has been proven time and time again on the reality TV show, The Apprentice, where numerous candidates have been fired for not fitting in with Donald Trump's idea of being the right man or woman for the job regardless of their Ivy League education. Unfortunately, most job applicants haven't the luxury of a 16-week job interview and must demonstrate in a short time, usually no more than an hour, why they are better suited for the position.

The easiest way to narrow the field of candidates, so that you alone are left standing, requires a good look in the mirror. A well-groomed and well-dressed applicant is more likely to satisfy the interviewer's expectations.

Male applicants should wear a plain dress shirt, preferably white, a conservative tie and polished shoes. If applying for a managerial position, a suit should be worn. Fingernails and hair should be clean and well-groomed, including moustache and beard. The Budweiser T-shirt, jeans and five o'clock shadow, which may suit your friends and family, will please those you are competing with for the job vacancy but not the interviewer.

Female applicants have a few more choices than their male counterparts. Acceptable attire includes a conservative dress, skirt and blouse or jacket and tailored pants. Avoid low-cut blouses, strong perfume, excessive make-up and excessive jewelry. Fingernails should be clean; if you intend to wear nail polish choose a neutral color for the interview. As for male applicants, a well-groomed hairstyle, which should be kept off the eyes and eyebrows, is advised.

Many interviewers will rate candidates by their speech, especially those applying for a job having verbal contact with customers. Reading aloud daily for 15 minutes on the days preceding the interview can be helpful training for developing a confident voice that is better understood by the interviewer. It goes without saying, leave the slang at home.

As with meeting anyone for the first time, the first few seconds of the interview are extremely important for making a good impression with the interviewer as well as having a positive outcome. Greet the interviewer with a confidant voice and remain standing until he or she asks you to sit down. Initiating small talk prior to the actual interview is acceptable, however when the interview begins avoid excessive chatter and joking both of which could be perceived in a negative manner. Taking over control of the conversation is a sure way to be removed from the shortlist of candidates.

Maintaining eye contact throughout the interview is extremely important. Looking down at your hands or off to the side can leave the impression that you are disinterested or have something to hide.

Replying too quickly in a haphazard manner is a common mistake made during the interview process by potential employees. Internalize the question and take a moment or two to think through your answer, the content of your answer is being judged not how quickly you reply. Sticking to the point at hand is of more benefit than going off into areas that haven't been brought up. Provide thorough and concise answers whenever possible. In other words, don't drag an answer out further than needed. Keep in mind your aim is to impress the interviewer not have him tune you out.

Negative attitudes and behavior should be left at home. Employers have little sympathy for such things. Complaining during the interview will most likely result in your application and resume being filed in the trash bin before you're even out the door. Think and speak positively. Be courteous and confident. Focus on how you can be a valuable addition to the current staff.

If you follow these tips, you will have a better chance of both delivering a good impression and surviving the final cut.