Savvy Job Search Tips

More than ever, the anything goes days are gone! Getting a job in today's economy requires determination and a new approach. In addition to being competent and qualified, the ability to
project a professional image and connect with decision-makers can make a big difference.

Here are some important tips to help job seekers shine and succeed:

Write a mistake-free resume. . . it's your ticket to an interview.
Obtain a job description and research the company and position ahead of time.
Don't rely on the Internet; the personal touch matters more than ever.
Keep your online social profile professional and updated.
Dress appropriately and pay special attention to grooming.
Arrive 5 minutes early, and bring extra resumes and a good pen.
Smile, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact (notice the color of their eyes).
Project open, positive body language and keep your nervousness under control. Relax!
Don't be shy about communicating your skills and strengths, and give specific examples.
Focus on how you can help solve problems by saving time, money or providing good service.
Let them know you can adapt to change and are flexible.
Emphasize your willingness to work hard and get along with other members of the team.
Wait until they raise the issue of salary and benefits and look at the potential for growth.
Write a thank-you note within 48-hours to express appreciation for the interview.
Believe in yourself and ask for help along the way.
Remember, your attitude determines your altitude. . . how high you fly in life!

Why Attitude Works: Two Personal Viewpoints

Meet Glenda Williams, an African-American woman who was born with serious physical challenges. She is also a single mother and an educator. This is her inspiring story about reaching for the moon.

As a child I was fortunate to have a father who said there was no such thing as the word can't. He said that all you had to do was drop the letter t to see the word can. I was raised to believe that if you think you can, you can. My father’s optimistic attitude was a powerful inner voice urging me to succeed in my professional and personal life.

Overcoming obstacles was never easy for me. It was never easy going to school and working full-time to make ends meet. It was never easy being a single mother and trying to balance being a parent and having a career. And it was never easy competing for a new job because let's be honest, everybody fears failure on some level.

So, how can we succeed when there are fewer job opportunities and an increasing number of qualified candidates in today’s job market? My advice is to stay positive and to believe in your dreams.

Everyday I make it a point to share positive comments like complimenting people on a job well done or thanking them for contributing their valuable time. Just as importantly, I ask others to share something positive about their day and really listen to what they have to say. It shows respect.

Whether it's a job interview or networking, making an effort to connect on a more human level builds relationships and often opens new doors.

My favorite saying is: Reach for the moon and even if you miss, you will be among the stars. That's the spirit of optimism and it truly works.

An expert in Human Resources, Stephen Young has hired hundreds of employees at all levels. He offered these insights about getting a job in today's dog-eat-dog world.

Enthusiasm, flexibility and dependability are the qualities I look for in successful candidates. We can teach people how to use software or order supplies, but we cannot teach someone to have a good attitude. Interviewers can spot a good attitude in a heartbeat.

When I ask an interviewee, Why should I hire you?, I'm looking for specific information to help make a very important decision. For example, I want to know if they are enthusiastic and committed to giving 100%. I want to know if they can work effectively with an increasingly diverse workforce, and if they are dependable and have integrity.

Years ago, I heard a wonderful story about three craftsmen who were asked about what they did for a living. The first worker shrugged his shoulder and said: I make $10 bucks an hour. The second worker mumbled that he was only a bricklayer. But the third worker smiled and said he was building a magnificent cathedral. He clearly took pride in his work and it showed in his performance and attitude. Which person would you want to hire? Which one would you like to have as a member of your team? Which one is likely to be promoted to the next level? The answer is simple.

In today's highly competitive and customer driven workplace, people skills matter more than ever. Customers expect to be treated with respect and courtesy. Providing outstanding customer service begins with hiring and training positive people who can excel on-the-job.

The good news is that just about every person has the potential to market their can-do attitude and shine as a professional candidate—even in this tough economy.

Documents to obtain for your job search

Check the ones that apply to your job search:

Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Work Permit (if under 16)
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
College Transcripts and Degree
Letters of Recommendation
Copies of Awards

Career Preparation Class Certificates
Federal Bonding Documentation
Job Performance Reviews
Vocational Training Certificates
Computer Training Certificates
Photographs of Specialized Work
Chemical Dependency Completion

Time-saving tips

For information on obtaining these documents, consult with professionals or visit your local library, career center or non-profit employment agency.
Begin contacting federal, state and local agencies now (i.e. Social Security Administration), because certain documents may require several weeks to obtain, and be cautious sharing personal or sensitive information.
Always make more copies than you think you’ll need!