5 Basic Tips for Job Seekers

I have helped hundreds of people find lasting employment through education and training opportunities throughout my career. However, when it comes to job search process, there are a few basic tips that are often overlooked by candidates.

1. A Professional Email Address & Provider

When the Internet and the phenomenon, also known as email, first appeared, AOL was among the first email  providers.  People and their families signed up and more often than not, those same people still use their AOL addresses.  Example: bluebutterfly56@aol.com

From this email address, employers can make the assumption that this person is of an older generation. The combination of the AOL address and the “56” indicates that this person was born in 1956, making them around the age of 60. Most younger generations use Gmail or Google Mail as their email provider.

Every professional job seeker needs a combination of first name, last name, and maybe a couple of numbers in their email address.  This ensures continuity when emails appear in the employer’s email, their ATS system, and on the resume.

2. Know How to Log-in to Your Email (on ANY Device or Computer)

Now that you have an email address, knowing how to log-in is crucial.  It is amazing to me the amount of people, who are actively engaged in a job search, that do not know how to log-in to their email accounts.  I have heard many times the excuse that ‘someone set it up for them, but they don’t remember the information.’  This will not fly with employers; yes, even staffing companies. Ranstad, here in Nashville, sends a link to their potential new hires through email. This link sends them to an online webpage, where they fill out all their new hire paperwork and training information.  Without being able to log-in, this creates another blockade for the job seeker.

Job seekers also need to know how to log-in on any device and/or computer.  Many of our clients know only how to access their email accounts via mobile phone and not on a computer. Most of these same clients are using their phones to also apply for jobs, making it a much longer process. Depending on the type of application, some functions may work on the phone, while others may not.

3.  Applications Need to Be Thoroughly Filled-Out

Many times job seekers leave out information that is crucial in verifying their education and past employment.  When I worked in Human Resources, I reviewed applications on a daily basis. People would leave out information about where they worked, when, why they left, etc. All of this information is needed! Employers have to verify where you worked and if the position calls for specific education, they have to verify that information as well.  Don’t leave the application up to interpretation. If time is not taken to ensure all boxes are filled out, the employer will not waste time looking over the application.

4. Preparation is Key!

Prepare for the interview –  find traditional, standard and behavioral interview questions online.  Write down a few possible answers and then practice through mock interview practice or in a mirror. The mirror makes one very aware of their facial expressions and body language.

“Winging the interview” is one of the worst mistakes job seekers can make – one of the top three mistakes, in fact.  Perfect practice makes perfect.

5. Confidence

Project confidence when walking in the room, when sitting with the employer, and when leaving.  If the job seeker isn’t confident in his or his abilities, it will show – all over their face, in their body language and eye contact or lack thereof.  If the job seeker is prepared, confidence will show through without having to actively put it on.  Smile and be your most confident!

Resumes are my forte, so check out how I can help you with a professionally, crafted resume just for you! www.rachel-thomason.com