Blog ~ Comfort Zone Individualized Tutoring

▣ How to be noticed.

posted by Comfort Zone Tutoring on September 5th, 2010 at 5:15 PM

Oh my, students graduating with well earned degrees to join the job market. Sooo many people out there with job skills who have been laid off. Many executives have settled for part-time or temporary work to get started. This may seem disappointing to them but it is an opportunity for them to show what they can do.

Employers who are impressed with the work they hired you to do often find a way of keeping you on permanently. If you can show case your talents, personality, confidence and get the job done well, think of it as an Introductory Period.

First of all have help with your resume. Recruiters and employers have so many applicants now that they scan each resume for the "buzz words" they are looking for. If the advertisement says you must have a certain software or other skill-levels, don't even bother to respond "I am a quick learner". Unless the advertisement is looking for a trainee do not respond to that one. Employers will have plenty of resumes to choose from with the skills advertised, so see where you fit in.

I personally like to see an objective at the top of the resume and then the position you are qualified for.Most resumes will be send by e-mail and make sure you send a cover letter no more than a paragraph to thank the employer for the opportunity and point out that you have the skills they are seeking.

Use Bullets and one liners to talk about what you can attribute to the job because it is easier to read than wading through paragraphs of someone's achievements Those can go at the bottom of your resume (education, languages etc).Send a brief cover letter, no more than one paragraph stating why you feel you are a good fit for the job.

Recently I received a resume stating "I am exactly right for your company" Bad enough but then he showed on the address bar he had addressed that 'exactly right for your company 'to 30 other companies, I laughed. Once you get an invitation to interview with a company you have probably been picked out of many. Computers often scan and throw out resumes when the right buzz words are missing.

Look up the company you are going to interview with and make sure you know what they do. Another favorite question of mine is "So what do you know about my company". The ums and ah people do not win my confidence. Next question is "why should I hire you". This you need to think about before getting that question. The employer only wants to know what you can contribute to their company. Do not boast but give clear answers to meet the job requirements in the advertisement. Don't over-talk you interviewer but look interested and just respond with questions about the job opening when appropriate.Sit comfortably back in your interview chair it will make you seem relaxed.

At the end of the interview give a big smile and thank your interviewer, mention that you know they have a lot to choose from and appreciate their time and your opportunity. Ask when they intend to make a decision. Do not bring up compensation at that time.You may be given a second interview and be asked to question them. The compensation is usually covered once they are serious about you as a candidate, but if not it is acceptable to say "Am I in the right ball park with what you are looking for? Is there an opportunity with your company to learn more and grow? Would you mind if I ask about your compensation for this position?" Unless it is temporary in which case they probably tell you in the advertisement.

Dress conservatively, no low neck-line for women and guys where a tie and jacket. Do not go into the interview smelling of tobacco from that quick puff you had before going in. Many companies do not like tattoos so best to cover them up.

Good luck, we would love to print your success stories.

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