So if we should take job search tips from anyone, its them.
and What are things few job seekers do but absolutely should?
Yes, but theres a fine line between early andtooearly.
Consider this illustrationfrom analyst Elisabeth Fosslien:
Stay within that window and youre golden.
But if the job is way out of your league, dont waste any of your or others time.
Research the Company!
Not researching the company is like going to a test without knowing the subject its on.
Dont know whom you will be interviewing with?
Knowing your audience will help you be more comfortable during the interview and can help hedge any surprises.
Loeffler says shes always shockedand disappointedwhen a candidate says No, I dont have any questions.
Asking questions shows that youve thought about the company and the opportunity and done some research.
In addition tohighlighting how you meet the jobs qualifications, verify you include the software youve worked with.
In fact, this might be the most important point.
If you have the software experience that were seeking, we will call you every single time.
If You Lie, Youll Probably Get Caught
Dont lie.
Heck, dont even exaggerate.
Chances are, if youre applying for any kind of decent job, youre probably going to get caught.
And so does anyone else who knows what theyre doing.
Where do people exaggerate and even lie?
Education, compensation, duties and responsibilities, achievements, awards, length of employment, etc.
Some people fudge dates to make themselves look younger.
Its astonishing what people will tell you then.
Perhaps because its old-fashioned it makes you stand out morein a good way.
Mike Smith, founder of SaleCoaching1, says:
Send a hand written thank you card to the interviewer.
I have interviewed over 1000 people, I think 5 did this.
It definitely will be remembered.
), but either way,a quick three-line thank you messagecan demonstrate youre serious about the position.
Seriously, send a thank you noteeven if youre rejected for the job.
The best course is to ask for a timeframe for a decision after youve finished your interview.
Then you canfollow up with a short, polite emailand just keep on with your job search.
If you haventheard back in 45 days, you could assume you didnt get the job.
Can you start to feel your eyes close, your mind wander?
Because thats exactly what its like to scan through piles of conservative, template-based applications.
That sense that you actually want to read on - and arent just compelled to by your job?
So bottom line: Remember that hiring managers arent robots.
So give us something interesting to read - not just the same old generic stuff.
Help them help you.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
