Finding and applying for the right job is only half the battle. You may have spent weeks perfecting the cover letter and finding just the right resume style for your needs and wants. Once the resume and cover letter have been sent, it is time to play the waiting game. You may sit home for hours, days or even weeks before hearing word. Or you may never hear back. So what is the next step in getting a job interview?
The follow up. Many jobseekers are tempted to just sit back and wait for a call, but the best thing to do is follow up yourself. That way, you show the recruiter that you are really interested in the position and have what it takes to get the job done.
So how long do you wait before following up? Most recruiters agree, at least a week. That way they have plenty of time to review your resume, and get things in order. While it may be easy to call the next day, chances are your resume is still sitting in their inbox waiting for review. So give the recruiter at least a week or two before following up. Then feel free to ask when a good time is to meet for a job interview.
When calling to ask for a job interview, keep it simply. Rehearse what you want to say beforehand and make sure that you are free from noise and distraction. Introduce yourself and remind the recruiter about your resume. State the job that you are interested in, and ask when would be a good time to set up a job interview.
If you get a recorded message, you may leave a message or simply call back later. But only leave one or two messages- because the last thing you want to do is irritate the job recruiter.
If you don't feel comfortable following up by phone for a job interview, try sending them a short email. Not only will it give you the opportunity to ask for a job interview, but you can also send along your resume again without seeming too needy.
Here are some tips to landing that job interview in a follow up email.
? Put your full name and the title of the position you've applied for in the subject line.
? Write a professional note that reiterates your qualifications and interest in the job.
? Attached your resume again. (Don't make the recruiter have to dig though old e-mails to look for it.)
? Include your full name in the file name of your resume.
? Don't forget to proofread carefully before you hit "Send"!
Last but not least, resist the urge to just resend your resume with no follow-up call or email. This tactic could actually backfire, and end up ruining your chances of landing a job interview.
The recruiter may find another copy of your resume on file and think that you may not even realize that you applied for the same job twice. So just don't do it.
Whether you like it or not, you have to be careful of how you project yourself during those crucial job interviews. Irritating habits like twirling your mustache when you're talking to friends should be dumped fast. Annoying habits distract tired interviewers and will cost job applicants their chances of being hired.
The Job Interview Booboos
During job interviews, job applicants commit deadly slip-ups. Some go to the job interview inappropriately garbed, chew gum to calm their nerves, and sometimes project that self-assurance verging on the brazen. Others are so petrified that they barely squeak out their replies and cannot make eye-contact.
Some interview snafus to avoid are not knowing the interviewer's name, not knowing anything about the company, smoking, arriving late for the interview, answering the question before it is completed, sitting down before you are offered to take a seat, using too much hand gestures, bad mouthing previous employers ? the list goes on and on.
The Job Interview
The interview is handled by the company's Human Resource division. In small or medium-sized businesses, the business owner usually tackles the job. Whether you are applying for a job at McDonalds? or at the neighborhood's Mom 'n Pop grocery, be prepared.
The job interview determines the applicant's potential and ability to work well with a team, to cope under stress, and to understand written and oral instructions.
The interviewer has a set of questions, which are followed up with inquiries adapted to each interviewee's unique circumstance. These may be innocuous, but these are actually probing queries designed to check out the applicants' capabilities for the vacant slot in the company or establishment. Hence, you have to be ready for these questions, so do your homework before the big day.
Before the Interview
The first thing in your "to-do" list should be a review of your application letter and resume. For those in-between jobs and have worked for several companies, expect that the interviewer will ask why they have resigned from the other companies. New job entrants like you will be quizzed on their academic records and previous training for the post.
Whatever the questions, give honest answers. For each lie you give, you'll be hard-put trying to remember the answers you gave and you'll get caught in the web of your deceit. Job interviewers are masters at the game and know how to read your body language, so beware.
These are a few examples of questions that maybe asked from those in-between jobs:
* Why can't you stay in a job for longer than two or three years?
* What makes you think the job is for you?
* What can you contribute if you are hired?
* How did you get along with your previous employers and co-workers?
For fresh college graduates or first time job seekers, these questions are likely to crop up:
* Why should we hire you?
* Why have you selected this company?
Another thing you should include in your to-do list is to know important facts about the company. Knowing some company processes and services, and even the name of the company's proprietor, can give you a boost. Should the interviewer ask what you know about the company, you're ready.
Choose a comfortable outfit and shoes. Don't wear all your jewelry. Take a look at yourself in the mirror in your "professional outfit" and observe how you project yourself while walking, sitting down, and using your hand gestures. You can take along one of your leather business card cases in case the interviewer asks for your calling card. The best advice? Always build up your resume and match your answers with what you've stated on paper.
Both David Green & Bradlley Mckoy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Green has sinced written about articles on various topics from Make Money Online, Cover Letter and Finances. Right now, you can get David Green's special report on "The 6 Secret Keys To UnLock The Career You Desire In 2006" for FREE if you hurry: http://www.PowerfulJobSearchTips.com. David Green's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Bradlley Mckoy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Public Relations and Careers and Job Hunting. For those job interviews, look smart with and. Bradlley Mckoy's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.