10 tips for landing a job
By Blanche Pearsall with Jennifer McClure
1. Network within the industry. Stay connected with people
in your chosen industry. Encourage them to tell you of a job opening. Part-time
or temporary jobs may bring full-time opportunities.
2. Keep your cover letter short. In the first line, identify
the job you seek. Briefly list your qualifications that match specific
requirements in the job description.
3. Make the best use of technology. If you submit a résumé,
call the company to ensure it was received. If you apply via e-mail, put your
name in the subject line (i.e., Subject: John Doe Résumé) so it can be tracked.
Keep your answering machine or voicemail message professional and positive.
4. Make follow-up calls. Contact an employer once a week
after submitting a résumé. By week four, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.
After an interview, ask when you can expect to hear from the company. If you
haven’t heard anything by the appointed time, wait one more day before calling.
Ask if a decision has been made and if they’d like additional information.
5. Be flexible. If a representative calls with a suggested
time for an interview, say “yes” even if you have to cancel plans to make it
work.
6. Make a list of your non-negotiable items. This can
include having Sundays off or a minimum salary. If the pay is not disclosed in
the job description, don’t bring up money in the first interview. However, when
contacted for scheduling the interview, you could ask the representative to
disclose the compensation range, but be sure to note that you’re flexible.
7. Prepare yourself. Always research the company. Come to
the interview well-groomed, rested and dressed professionally. Avoid excessive
jewelry, perfume or cologne or an attention-grabbing hairdo. These can distract
the interviewer from getting to know you.
8. Be positive. Positive thinking helps a potential employer
to see you at your best. List your blessings before an interview. Believe you
will find the right position.
9. Acknowledge your job history. If poor decisions were made
or if your job history lacks long-term employment, consider questions employers
may ask and write down your answers to ensure clear responses. Be prepared to
explain how you have developed yourself.
10. List your questions. Employers often ask if candidates
have any questions. You might ask, “How will my performance evaluations be
structured?” or “After one year, what will make you say you’re glad you hired
me?”
BLANCHE PEARSALL is president and CEO of DEDICATED
Professional Resources, Inc., a human resource company based in North Carolina
that provides consulting and services for both employers and job seekers.
JENNIFER McCLURE is assistant editor of Today’s Pentecostal Evangel and blogs
at Going Up? (jmcclure.agblogger.org).
E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.
