If you’re new to the job market, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Looking for work is stressful under the best of circumstances, but it’s even more daunting when you don’t have any experience. That’s why we’ve put together a list of suggestions to light your way as you start down your career path.
1. Make a Good First Impression with Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is how you introduce yourself to prospective employers. Make yours stand out for what it does have (a strong statement of objective – basically, what you’re looking for in a job) and what it doesn’t (typos or missing information). Proofread your letter – and have someone else check it.
2. Believe in Yourself
What you say in a job interview is important – but even more so is the way you say it. Go into meetings with confidence, and it will show in your tone of voice and your posture.
3. Do Your Homework
Research the company you’re interviewing with. Watch some of their videos, read reviews from current employees on job sites, explore their website and check out their social media. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the company shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
4. Sell Yourself
Go into your interview prepared to tell the interviewer what you can bring to the company. You may have similar skills to other applicants, but you can stand out by going beyond your qualifications and convincing the employer that you’re the perfect fit for the open position. As you answer your interviewer’s questions, paint a vivid picture of why you want this job.
5. Act Your Age – And Then Some
You can go a long way toward convincing your would-be employer you have the maturity to do the job by showing up on time to your interview and being polite – not just to the person asking you questions, but to the receptionist and any other employees you encounter.
6. Relate Your Abilities to the Job
A specific part of selling yourself is taking your education, experience and – most importantly – your skills and applying them to the position you’re seeking. This will help sell the interviewer on your hirability.
7. Don’t Lean Too Much on Academic Success
An impressive GPA and a shelf full of academic awards can help you get your foot in the door, but don’t rely on these achievements to prove your intelligence and work ethic. Talk about your job-related abilities and how you’ve used them.
8. Tell the Truth
What could go wrong if you lie on your resume or in your interview? As it turns out, quite a lot. Avoid the temptation to embellish and exaggerate.
9. Prepare, Practice and Polish
Before you walk into an interview, make sure that you’ve learned all you can about the company, you’ve practiced speaking with ease and confidence, and you’ve picked out an outfit that fits the job you’re seeking.
10. Say ‘Thank You’
Once the interview is over, be sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to talk about the position. Then, follow it up with a classy thank-you note. It doesn’t just show good manners – it shows professionalism.
Don’t Go It Alone
Job hunting is a lot less stressful when you have Mega Force in your corner. Not only do we connect quality candidates with the right jobs in Burlington and throughout North Carolina, but we also offer resources to help you better market yourself. Take a look at our job portal to get started.
