We've all been on the job hunt for one reason or another. Perhaps you've just had a baby, or been downsized, or got fired because of the personal injury case you filed against the guy who practically ran you over in the parking garage. So what if the guy just happened to be the CEO. The fact is, you've been off work for a while and now you need a new job. When you are job hunting, there are a few do's and don'ts that act as general rules of thumb as far as things that you can do or avoid in order to nail the position. You can search online for any job hunting or resume building tips that will get your foot in the door and a seat in front of an interviewer. The interview stage alone is a process that carries with it an entirely separate guidebook on things to say, things not to say and things to do, or things not to do. When you are job hunting and preparing for that next career move, keep a few simple pointers in mind.



1. DO have a professional resume and cover letter. Again, there are all sorts of tools and templates available on the Internet that can help you achieve this.

2. DON' T put impertinent information on your resume. The name of your personal injury lawyer on your cover letter looks really bad. Also, your interviewer really doesn't care that you knit booties for kitty orphans in your spare time. UNLESS you are seeking employment at a kitten orphanage.

3. DO tell the truth in your interview. If you have lost a job, be honest about it. Chances are if you aren't, your prospective employer will find out anyway. You don't need to mention the parking garage, just be honest about the fact that you've been let go previously.

4. DON'T tell your interviewer everything, unless again it is specifically related to the position in question. For example, if you are there because your settlement hasn't come through yet, and you need to pay for your professional injury lawyer, you may want to leave that out. When it comes to the "Why do you want to work here question?" say something about seeking new challenges or something to that effect. They love that.

5. DO be honest about weaknesses, because you will be asked. Don't say that your personal injury case has left you with a bad back and you can't sit still for long periods of time. Say something that will make the interviewer reflect your weakness back on the position. "I'm a perfectionist!" works very well in this situation. Okay, if you aren't one, now would be a good time to lie.

6. DON'T mention the word lawyer at all; not unless you are applying to a LAW FIRM. Do not use the word lawyer. AT ALL.

7. DO have an off-topic conversation starter to warm up the interviewer. Review #6 before you pick a topic however.

These are just a few general tips that can help you in the job market and pin down the position of your dreams. Don't worry, we've all been there. A good interviewer will be just as concerned with making you feel comfortable, as you are in getting the job. Good luck!