How to Refresh Your Job Search Skills

Besides editing your resume many times, having to re-format it making certain it looks right, it sounds good, and does it fit my qualifications? There is no guarantee you will get the job, you may have to consider other elements in your job search.

Closely examine your job search skills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cover Letter
• Practing your interview skills
• Physical Appearance
• Target Companies

1. Cover Letter
   
   Make sure your cover letter is error-free and try not to use generic terms. Be more personal include what makes you valuable to their company than the other candidates. Ask yourself “Why should the prospective employer hire me?” Your cover letter is your sales letter. Make your sale.

2. Interviewing Skills
   
   I remember back in high school in my job search skill class we would have to pair up and practice on one another as interviewer and the candidate. It is an old technique, but useful. Practice with friends or family members who can analyze the way you carry yourself. If you cannot find anyone to practice with try video taping yourself. Be direct and concise when answering questions, avoid saying uhhhh… and always keep eye contact. Speak in a clear tone and in a professional manner.

3. Appearance
   
   Did you dress and groom appropriately for your job interviews and networking meetings? Pay attention on what you wear. Are you clothes wrinkle? Are you wearing sneakers, shorts or perhaps a tee shirt? These are not proper attires for an interview. Make sure you are wrinkle free; wear business casuals or business attires. Proper hygiene is necessary, ladies have your hair done; and men have a clean cut shave as well as your hair. Perfumes and colognes keep it to a limit. Trust me employers will see this as a plus as your appearance is your first impression.

4. Target Companies
   
   In your job search, look for a job that is a good fit for you. Match it based on your education, work experience, and your qualifications.
   No matter how great your resume is, only the employer decides if you are a good fit for the job. So, make sure when you apply for the job that all your criteria matches the employer's job description. At least you have a better chance of being one of the nominees.

Tips & Warnings

• Be calm and confident
• Good Luck to All

[sunshine11219]

on 1/9/2009 great tips

[showpup]

on 9/19/2008 Good advice!

[CubicleJoe]

on 8/8/2008 Nancy - the part about practicing your interviewing skills with friends and family is a must. I agree. Particularly when you're starting out. I believe a lot of people take that for granted. Well written - great tips !