If You Want the Job... Act Like It

The past few weeks I have been interviewing for several openings we have had available in our facilities.  I find it amazing at how people apply for jobs. I have seen everything from applicants that do not follow directions in the advertisement, provide useless resumes without viable information, to the way they dress for an interview. If you are currently looking for a job, take note.

When reading the advertisement, make note of whether they ask for a cover letter along with a resume. I ask for a cover letter for several reasons. The first, of course, is to see if the applicant can follow directions. Secondly, it gives me a general idea of the applicants writing and grammar skills. Thirdly, I can spot the lazy applicants that use a form cover letter with their resume. Most of the time I automatically discard these as it shows they are applying for anything and everything with a particular title. Also, I take consideration of an applicant that takes a moment to customize a cover letter to the job description.  I feel that these job hunters are truly interested in the position that has been posted.  I also suggest that if the company name is available, you do as much research on that company as possible to be familiar with their product and history. Take your time in writing the cover letter. Be brief, precise, and make sure the information provided is correct, along with proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.

If an applicant makes it through the initial process of having a proper cover letter, I then look at the contents of the resume. There are several things that I look for when reviewing resumes. Is the information up to date? I have had several resumes, that when I tried to contact the people by phone, the number was no longer valid. The next thing I look at is the job history. In the job description, I am looking for what you accomplished in the position more than what duties you performed. A manager’s duties are basically the same from industry to industry. What you were able to accomplish for your past employers and what you can do for my company is what I am interested in. Keep it brief… one page is preferable.

If an applicant makes it through the above criteria, the next step is a phone interview. This process is normally a short call to determine the applicant’s ability to think quickly on their feet. Initially, I am interested in their phone skills, as our positions require phone sales. I give the applicant up to 3 minutes to sell themselves to me. I am looking for more than “I am a people person”… I am looking for the applicant that will give me career accomplishments and goals, as well as life accomplishments and goals. If the applicant makes it past this process, a face to face interview is scheduled.

It is in the face to face that I have been the most surprised. I have been shocked at the number of applicants that show up for their interview dressed in shorts, jeans, t-shirts and flip flops. I wonder if their mother ever told them that they only have one chance to make a first impression. So dress to impress…

To recap… read the ad carefully and follow the instructions. Do not use a form cover letter if one is requested. Use your resume to highlight your abilities and accomplishments. Once you have applied for a position, be prepared for a phone interview out of the blue. When going in for a face to face interview, remember a first impression is made in the first 6 seconds of meeting so dress to impress.

If you want the job… Act like it.

 Smile… It is contagious!