What Not To Do While Job Searching

A good way of determining whether or not your job search is working – is if you have found a job, right?  Wrong! You want to ensure your job search is working through self-evaluation! 

We have compiled some pointers of "What Not to do While Job Searching."  If you are doing several things on this list – you may want to re-vamp the way you have been approaching your job search.

Updating social networking sites with inappropriate content that may offend potential employers

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again – what’s posted on the internet, stays on the internet.  You need to ensure you are 100% professional on all your social networking platforms – even if you have set your privacy settings to allow only your “friends” to access your information.  Be sure to think before you post, this includes status updates – what is funny to you, may not be funny to others and this includes potential employers!

Not fixing errors on your cover letter and resume.

It is imperative to fix every mistake on your cover letter and resume; even the smallest mistake in spelling and/or grammar can move your resume from the “go” to the “no” pile.   Have a friend proof-read your documents – or even two friends! Do not depend on spell-check alone!

Having an inappropriate or hard to read email address.

Email addresses can tell a lot about a person’s personality and professionalism.  If your email address is outdated; for example, you created it when you were 16 years old and in love with the words “bebe” or “stud” – it's time to update your email address.  Make sure that it's easy to read – if there is an underscore in your email address, it may not show up on your resume properly.

Not tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

This is another one that we write a lot about!  Keep in mind – the job you are applying for probably has hundreds of other applicants as well.  Your resume needs to stand out!  You need to market yourself to the employer and show them that you have what it takes to do the job – a generic resume will not do this. Keep a master copy and tailor your resume each time that you apply for a job.

Addressing your cover letter with “to whom it may concern” and not putting in the effort to find out who to address it to.

These days, finding out a contact person is quite simple – so when you don’t take the time and effort to do so, it demonstrates to the employer that you are not taking initiative.  Contact the company directly and ask who is in charge of hiring, have a look at the company website, and even double-check the job posting for the name of the person doing the hiring.

Not having a clear objective on your resume. 

Stating in your objective or sending unsolicited resumes for “any job” will not do!  An employer wants to hire someone who has an interest in the company/position that they are applying for.  When you put that you are willing to do anything, no enthusiasm and commitment is displayed.  And honestly, do you really want to do “any job”?  Be proud of your successes and your skills and use them to land the job a job that you are truly passionate about!
Depending on the position, it may not be necessary to put an objective. For instance, in some cases, the objective is obvious and need not be stated.

Utilizing only one method of job search
If you are only applying on-line and not including other job search strategies such as networking, cold calling and dropping off your resume to targetted potential employers, then you need to step outside of your box and expand your job search strategies. Depending only on the internet to land you a job will lead you to a big black hole - in cyberspace.

Neglecting to follow up after a job interview
Waiting for the employer to call is okay when the employer has given you a specific amount of time before the hiring decision will be made however, there comes a point when it is crucial to follow up with a phone call or email. Following up not only indicates you are interested in the position but also demonstrates that you have initiative.


Remember, reviewing these pointers and making sure that you are on track with your job search will lead you to the light at the end of the job search tunnel!

                                                                                                                                    -Sunny + Sassy

Tips on How to Discover Motivation When Confronted with a Sense of Failure

For some jobseekers, failure may begin to feel common place. Feelings of despair and depression may begin to set in. 

If you are experiencing a sense of failure, you are not alone! It is not uncommon to feel this way, especially if you have been unemployed for an extended period of time. However, it is important to acknowledge and deal with your feelings.

The first step in dealing with a feeling of failure is to realize that failure is inevitable. We all fail in various ways and for various reasons. And it's how we deal with failure that will make the difference when it comes to our motivation and the impact that failure has on our well-being.
It is also important to recognize that failure can, in fact, be a motivator, pushing us to do better. And dealing with failure teaches us how to survive.

 Some tips on how to discover motivation when confronted with a sense of failure are:

• Learn from your mistakes - ie)  if you feel that you didn't perform well in a job interview, take a few minutes after the interview and ask yourself what you would do differently. You may benefit from jotting down a few notes so that you don't forget. Once you've determined what you can improve on, utilize your new awareness in your next interview.
• Find the positive in a negative situation. This may be difficult to do however, search for the positive - ie) Possibly the job was not the best fit for you and it is best that you were not offered the position. Remind yourself that you can use your experience to do better next time.
• Recognize that failing at a task does not mean that you are a 'failure'. To error is human. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn from it and move on.
• Talk to someone who is supportive. It's okay to release your feelings of failure, but in doing so, it is important to find someone who is positive and supportive to speak to. Choosing to disclose to someone who you think may focus on the negative will not be productive and will bring you down.
•  Express your emotions in a creative way ie) journal, write, draw, play music, dance, etc. If you feel you are not able to do this, release your feelings through sports, exercise etc. Set a goal for yourself and reach it.

Be persistent and determined and turn your feelings of failure into a sense of motivation! And before you know it, you will find the light at the end of the job search tunnel.

                                                                                                                                         -Sunny + Sassy

Job Interview Tip

There Are Many Reasons Why People Are Not Hired After A Job Interview. A Few Of These Are:

When reviewing your performance after attending an interview, be aware of behaviours which may have impacted your chances of securing the position.  If they appear in the list above and are changeable,  be sure to correct or change your behaviour in the next job interview. Keep in mind that every interviewing situation is unique and different.

Remember that interviewing takes practice and that you are not the only candidate.  Use the interview as an opportunity to improve on your interviewing skills.

                                                                                                                              

                                                                                         -Sunny + Sassy

Keeping up Your Motivation if You don't Land the Job after the Interview

As if being unemployed and job searching wasn’t hard enough, then a job rejection gets thrown into the pile!  How do you keep your motivation up to move forward when all you’re getting is rejection?

·        Remember, everything happens for a reason.  Maybe the job that you thought you were perfect for, really wouldn’t have worked out in the long run.  Maybe the team or management would have turned out not being people you want to work with.  For whatever reason, you did not get the job and you must move on from that.

·        Don’t forget to journal after every interview and whenever possible discuss feedback from the interview with the employer; this will help you determine your strengths/weaknesses in interviews and assist you for the next one.

·        Evaluate your goals.  There comes a point when people are willing to take “any job” just to have a job; consequently, you apply for positions that you know you are over qualified for, and don’t end up getting any response.  There is a reason for this – you are over qualified!  Make sure you keep pounding the pavement and apply for jobs that you are qualified for and that you will excel at!  Make a list of your job goals and re-vamp that list every month – make sure that this list is realistic and don’t down grade yourself, you have great skills and experiences – so use them!

·        Exercise and drink plenty of water!  This is an important one; if you are feeling low and your self-esteem is being bruised, you need to ensure you are getting proper exercise, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water!  This allows your body to function properly and exercise releases happy endorphins which will benefit you when you are experiencing job rejection. And try to get plenty of sleep!

·        Develop a job search plan – make time during the day specifically for job searching activities and also make “you” time incorporating activities that make you feel good about yourself and boost your self-confidence!

Remember, persistence and determination will help you find the light at the end of the job search tunnel!

                                                                                                                                -Sunny + Sassy

After the Interview

When you get home from the interview, it's important to do some self-assessment on how you feel that you did.  Write down a few of the questions that you felt were difficult to answer to practice for next time.   It is important to debrief with a friend and/or journal about your experience in order to provide new insights for the next interview as well as to release any pent-up emotions that may be simmering inside you. Also, it is really important to acknowledge and pat yourself on the back for the positive aspects of the interview!

It's always courteous to send a "thank you" card to the employer once you have had the interview; personalize this with your own style and make sure you mention something that stood out for your during the interview.  An example of what you could write is:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.  After discussing the position you have available, I am even more excited about this opportunity.  I appreciate that your company's core values are similar to mine and I feel I would fit in with your team!

If you haven't heard from the employer by the date provided to you, you can give them a call to touchbase and ask if they had made a decision. You can also follow up by email.

Remember, if you were not the selected candidate, you can always ask for the employer's feedback.
And try not to despair! Interviews are good practice for enhancing and polishing your interview skills. Move on to the next interview and before you know it, you will find the light at the end of the job search tunnel.

                                                                                                                              -Sunny + Sassy

JOB INTERVIEW TIP

Typical Questions you may be asked during an Interview

Through research and experience, we have compiled a list of the most common questions asked during a job interview as well as the most complicated.  As previously stated in our posts about interviews, always remember to breathe and remember it is o.k. to take a pause to think about your answer to the question being asked! 

Use these example questions when practicing for your interview; write down how you are going to answer the question and practice!  Some of these questions will pertain to you, some won't.

Why did you leave your last position?

·        Be honest and brief.  If you were fired or quit for cause; don’t bash your ex-employer

Why are you interested in working for our company?

·        This is where your research of the company itself will come in handy, answer this question honestly and use examples from research that you have done. 

·        You could say that your values are in line with the companies values or that you have heard wonderful things about this company culture and atmosphere, etc.

·        You can also use personal examples as well if you don’t have any examples from work experience

What kind of salary are you looking for?

·        Ensure you research the salary range for the position that you are applying for so that you have an accurate answer to this question;  it is best to answer with a range verses a single salary figure

·        There are a lot of resources online to find out salary ranges and they take into consideration the number of years experience you have and education.  Google search:   Salary Finder, Salary Expert, Salary Range Calculator. 

·        Remember, the job posting that you applied for may have already indicated a salary range that the employer is willing to offer; keep this in mind when you answer this question

Tell me about yourself?

·        Keep the answer to this question related to the position you are interviewing for.  Discuss your work history, educational background and attributes that would make you shine in this position
·        Keep the answer brief - 3 minutes max

More complicated interview questions that you may be asked (for some these may be easy to answer, for others, maybe not):

What are your weaknesses?

·        Everyone has weaknesses – it's our ability to recognize these weaknesses and work on them that is important

·        Be selective when choosing your weakness to discuss as you do not want it to hinder the chance of you being hired. It is a good idea to think about this and select a weakness before attending an interview

·        When discussing your weaknesses also explain what you do/can do to improve upon them

·        Discuss any support that you may need from an employer to work on these weaknesses

If offered this position, how would you improve the positions functionality?
 

·        This is another question where your research about the position and the company will come in handy!

·        Remember, don’t step on any toes – but point out a few things that may make the position stronger and be a benefit for the company

Tell me about your strengths.

·        Remember to not be shy about what you are good at!

·        Sell your skills and use examples that relate to the particular job that you are interviewing for

Tell me about a time when you had to use problem-solving skills; provide a situation and how you handled it.

·        At one time or another, we have all had to deal with some sort of difficult situation with a customer, client, co-worker, etc.  Stick with one example and clearly describe the situation and your steps on handling the situation

·        Keep positive and don't be negative towards the customer/client/co-worker, etc who was involved in the situation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

·        Focus on your career goals when answering this question; be honest if you have advancement ideas that may not include this company but will allow to gain the experience needed

·        Showing that you have realistic goals is important and admirable by an employer

·        Show how this position fits into your goals!

There are so many potential questions that an interviewer can ask you, these are just some examples.  It’s always beneficial to practice before the interview and research the company to ensure you know what they are all about!  Don’t forget, an interview is for you to interview the employer as well - so relax and use the interview as a way to practice your networking skills!!

No matter what, if you are asked any questions that you feel are inappropriate, you can politely decline providing an answer.  That shouldn't happen too often, but sometimes it does.

-Sunny & Sassy

Nervous About Your Job Interview?

So you've been asked to an Interview...Now What?

Over the next few days we are going to look at interviewing.  From pre-interview preparation to post-interview steps.


Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared for your interview!

Research, Research, Research!  If you haven’t already researched the company that you will be interviewing with, do that now!  It is highly important to be knowledgeable about the company, their values, their product, and even their hours of operation!  Have a look at their website, look them up on LinkedIn or Facebook and make sure that you write down a few questions to ask the employer at the interview!

Practice what you are going to say.  Even though when you get to the interview, you may be so nervous that you forget what you prepared; practicing what you are going to say will stick in your memory and pay off in the long run.  Ensure you have a powerful but natural “marketing statement” that tells the employer your greatest strengths and what you have to offer the company.  Develop a script using common interview questions and practice answering these questions in the mirror.  If you have a video camera, video record yourself practicing your interview questions.  Or, ask a friend to role-play with you.

Pick your outfit the day before!  Make sure you dress the part, this will give a good impression in addition to making you feel more confident!  If you are able to, you can visit the company prior to the interview and see the type of clothing other staff members are wearing (classic business, casual business, etc).  Make sure you try on what you are going to wear the night before and ensure it is clean, ironed and ready to go!  Ladies, ensure your hair is neat and tidy.  Gentleman, make sure you are clean shaven..or at least trimmed.


Plan ahead for the commute.  Make sure you know exactly where you are going and the driving/transit route so that you are not late for your interview!  Remember to take into consideration traffic or any construction happening as there may be delays. Arrange to arrive 10 minutes early.


Don't forget copies of your resume.  Make sure to bring along 2 copies of your resume and your reference list in an envelope.  Sometimes you may be interviewed by a panel, or the employer may have misplaced your interview.  You can also use your resume as a guide when discussing your experience and qualifications.

-Sunny & Sassy

What are your References Saying about You?

If you have been job searching and getting interviews but no calls saying “You’re Hired” – it may have something to do with your references!  

1.   Are you contacting your references to inform them you are job searching?

Make sure you contact all your references to let them know that you are actively job searching and that they may get a call from an employer.  Also, you need to make sure they are still willing to give you a reference.  When you get called in for an interview; contact your references to say that you will be going into an interview and they may get a call afterwards; this allows your reference to prepare and plan what they are going to say about you.  Ensure you let your reference(s) know the type of job that you will be interviewing for and the duties involved; that way your reference can give you an accurate reference relating to the job duties

2.   Are your references outdated and their contact information has changed?

Sometimes companies go out of business, resulting in lay-off or for a variety of other reasons your reference may be unavailable; if this happens be sure to ask for a written reference so that you can use this in the future in the event that an employer is unable to reach your reference via telephone/email.  If you have not spoken to your reference for a long period of time, you need to contact them to ensure they are still willing to be a reference and that their contact information is correct prior to giving them out as a reference 

3.   Have you asked permission from your references(s) prior to giving their names as a reference?

Ensure you ask the person you want to use as a reference to be a reference.  Talk to them about the types of things they will say about your work if someone calls them for a reference.  Never use someone as a reference without asking their permission first; you never know what they are going to say and its unprofessional to not discuss this with them first.

4.   Are you putting your references directly on your resume?

This is a big no-no.  Putting your references directly on your resume gives the employer that you are applying to, permission to contact the reference before they have had the chance to meet you!  By creating a Reference Sheet that you bring to the interview with you, you are able to provide the employer with references directly relating to the job you are applying for; and you will be able to contact your references prior to them being called to give them a head’s up

5.   Do you have bad references from your most recent job?

It is always beneficial to gain references from each company you work for.  Remember, even if you left your previous job on bad terms; you can always use a co-worker as a reference from that job, you don’t necessarily have to use a supervisor/manager.    A past co-worker can speak to the type of work you did your work ethic and your personal characteristics.  You don’t have to necessarily provide all your references to the employer when they ask; ensure you are giving them references to companies/contacts that will relate to the position you are applying for; that way the employer will gain knowledge about you that is related to what they will be hiring you for!

-Sunny & Sassy

©thejobsearchgirls

Full of Regret

Dear Job Search Girls:

I was recently quit from my job that I have been working at for several years.  The reason I quit was because I had asked for a raise that my employer did not agree with and after a lengthy argument I yelled at my boss and quit.  Looking back now, I have my regrets.  A friend reminded me that this employer is the only reference I have and that getting another job is going to be difficult without a reference!!  What do I do?  Do I apologize?  How do I know if my ex-boss will give me a good reference?

Signed, Full of Regret

Dear Full of Regret:

While this is a tough situation; there may be a way to patch things up with your ex-boss and still get a good reference from him.  I would start off my making an appointment to speak to your old boss in person and apologize for what happened.  Since you are feeling regret, I would imagine that maybe a part of the argument was unjustified.  Once you have apologized and worked things out, you can then ask your boss if they will still be a reference for you. Also, perhaps you can work things out enough to go back to your job!

From: Sunny

Sassy:  Wow, that is certainly a predicament you got yourself into, but it sounds like it was for good reason!  If you felt like you deserved a raise, well then you probably did and if your boss can't see the hard work you're doing than its better you quit anyways!  I would apologize, but don't ask for your job back - look for an employer where you will be treated properly!  Good Luck!

Sunny:  Sassy, if she wants her job back...that is ok too!  Let's try and focus on the reference part of the letter.  If the employer refuses to give you a reference then you could always ask a co-worker that knows the type of work you have done, and a good friend who can be a character reference.  Just because your boss and you had a falling out, doesn't mean you can't still get a good reference for the work that you have done.

Too Young! Too Old! JOB SEARCH + AGEISM

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." (Mark Twain).

Great quote and is true on some levels but when it comes to job search, unfortunately age discrimination does exist. And it is not limited to mature or 'older' workers. Younger, 'green' workers also suffer age discrimination. So, if you are worried about it or have experienced it in your job search, then consider the following tips:

1) When applying for jobs, DO NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR THE EMPLOYER TO GUESS YOUR AGE; only include most recent and relevant jobs and skills on your resume/job application. For instance, do not go back twenty or thirty years on your resume.  Also, do not include the date of your high school graduation. Best to only add high school if required by employer as a job requirement and in that case, do not include the year of graduation.

2) DO NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR THE EMPLOYER TO SCREEN YOU OUT. Employers will screen out applicants easily and quickly for a number of reasons; some of which may make no sense to an outsider but  there are a few reasons which the job applicant does have control of. For instance, employers will screen out applicants if it is clear that the applicant does not have the skills required; the resume is not professional looking and the resume/job application provides too much personal information that is not relevent to the position. Having a resume that is far too long and one that doesn't have enough information are also common reasons employers will bypass applications. Remember, in many cases your resume is key to getting that interview.

3) Once you get the interview, DISPEL MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH AGE. Remember actions speak louder than words. For instance, some employers may assume that mature workers lack in energy and motivation; so be energetic, display enthusiasm for the job. And sure, you may not feel very energetic; in fact, you may be feeling downright depressed and jaded. Before going into the interview, imagine a time when you had energy, feel that energy, be in the moment with that energy. And you never know, imagining feeling good sometimes has a self-fulfilling phrophecy effect.
Some employers may assume that younger workers are unreliable, do not take direction well and will leave a position for a better job without notice. So, make sure you are on time for the interview, listen intently while in the interview and bring attention to your strong work ethic.  Whether you are a mature or young worker, always be courteous and respectable - greeting the employer and thanking employer for the interview when exiting.

4) Be sure to DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR JOB INTERVIEWS. If uncertain about dress code, best to dress 'up' than 'down'. Also, in some cases it may be possible to enter the worksite before your interview to have a look at what people are wearing. Generally, however, basic, simple clothing is best.  Be sure not to draw attention to your age by what you are wearing. Ask the opinion of your friends and/or family if you are not sure about what to wear.  Once your employment is secured, you will have more room to determine your clothing style in the workplace.  Also, it is important to inquire about the dress code in the interview in order to ensure that you dress accordingly.

Remember, employers are seeking workers who have the skills for the job, or are easily trained if lacking in some skill sets. They are also looking for a good fit for their team, business or organization.
In some cases where you feel that your age is used against you, it is most likely best that you are not involved with an employer who focuses on age vs. skills.
In some instances your age may be a bonus for the position however, in most cases the bonus will be in your attitude, your personality and your passion for the position!!
Find your passion, keep it lit and you will find the light at the end of the job search tunnel!

From SUNNY + SASSY, the Job Search Girls