Blog Post: Become a Better Job Seeker: Part II

In my previous blog, I pointed out some common errors that job seekers make when they are looking for employment. Just changing a few small things can create a large impact. You want to put your best foot forward, but you may not know how. In today's job market, it's critical to have an edge on the competition. Here are some tips for making the process just a little easier.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have...which may not be a job at all! Rolling off the couch and straight into the HR office is probably not the best first impression, and may be your last. While it's true that the increasing temperatures in the summertime may put the kibosh on pantyhose, it's best to overdress than to under dress. Leave your suit jacket in the car and put it on right before you walk in. If you are interviewing somewhere where you know the attire is casual, it is still not appropriate to show up in shorts or capris, even if that is the normal dress code for that particular job. You can dress like that AFTER you get the job...not before!

So you included your e-mail address, and picked one that is professional. You've chosen to remove the caller-tunes feature from your cell phone. You've had a second pair of eyes look over your application to make sure all "i's" are dotted and "t's" are crossed. To top it off, you are wearing your best outfit. Congratulations, you've made it to the interview! But now what? As you sit patiently in the lobby, anxiously awaiting your one-on-one time with the hiring manager, be sure to keep a professional demeanor. Turn your cell phone on silent; the vibrating buzz, or even worse, the sound of music playing, can be extremely distracting. Keep chit chat with staff to a minimum. If someone asks you, "Did you find us OK?", don't interpret that as an open invitation to talk about your car troubles, your personal life, or anything else that might be inappropriate. Remember, you want to impress people; not leave a bad impression.

Finding a job can be stressful, but simply making a few alterations can alleviate some of the anxiety. Re-frame your thoughts and view this time as a learning opportunity. With every interview, you get the chance to be your best. Take every possibility to improve your skills. Challenge yourself to avoid these frequent mishaps, and you will land that dream job in no time.

Compass Bank...Just a little better

http://www.compassbank.com/careers