Be the Best You Can Be

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Whether you are looking for a new career, are a newly minted graduate in search of that first post college job or are unemployed and simply in search of any work, following the tips given here can help you to land that job.

Check your resume for mistakes

Before turning in your resume to a prospective employer, check it at least three times to make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that it is free of typos. You should also ensure that your resume is tailored to the demands of the job you are pursuing. If you are trying to land an accounting job, then play up any accounting experience you may have. Keep your resume to a length of one to one and a half pages.

Taking the interview challenge

A study by a California staffing and consulting firm found that 1,400 CFOs were for the most part in agreement about the top mistakes made by interviewees. Among these were showing up late, knowing little about the company or the position for which they were applying and arrogance during the interview. In an interview, body language is very important - applicants must show confidence (but not be overbearing), maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake and avoid crossing the arms (which looks like a defensive posture). Clothes are also important; it is far better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview.

Answer questions smartly

If you are nervous, it can make you perform badly in an interview. Some even forget the questions they are asked due to this nervousness. You can stop this from being a problem by being well prepared for the interview. Be sure to research the company and the position you are applying for thoroughly and remember that it’s better to admit that you don’t know the answer to a question than to give a poor answer. Tell the interviewer that you will get back to them with an answer. Make a point of playing up the skills which the advertisement mentions as being needed for the position.

Getting the necessary referrals

Securing a referral from a current employee is one of the best ways to land an interview. Companies receive hundreds of resumes for open positions but 35-60% of these vacancies end up being filled via referrals. If you don’t know anyone at the company, ask around your acquaintances to see if any of them know someone there - keep in mind that a referral from an employee will make it much more likely that you will get that job.

Online application

More and more companies have started requiring job seekers to send applications and resumes online. The first impression is now conveyed by your initial email rather than a personal appearance. Your email should be as polished and articulate as any business letter. When applying online for a position, follow these tips:

Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate.

If your email is too casual, this will more likely than not cause your resume to be passed by. Keep the tone professional, even if your communication with the prospective employer is by email.

Get directly to the point

Be straightforward and get to the point. Don’t add literary flourishes to get the employer’s attention; instead just say exactly what you want.

Getting that dream job can be a bit of a struggle, but keep your eyes on your goal and don’t give up. It is better to wait for a while and end up with the job you really want rather than to take a job right away which will leave you unsatisfied. Make the right decision about your future and then act decisively.