10 Ways To Increase Your Chances Of Hearing Someone Say "You're Hired"
By Susan Morem
1. Take your job search seriously: Consider looking for a job your new job. Devote time each day to your search, establish an area in your home as your workstation, and commit to making a specific number of contacts each day.
2. Put on your selling shoes: Think of yourself as a product you are trying to sell. Give people a reason to “buy”; look good, be positive and emphasize your strengths.
3. Focus on the first few minutes: “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.” Don’t wait until you sit down to begin the interview; impressions are formed within the first few seconds … stand up tall, hold your head high, give a firm handshake, and smile.
4. Dress to impress: Fair or not, appearance matters. Pay attention to detail—even your shoes will be noticed. Always wear your best interview outfit even if you know that employees dress casually.
5. Change your e-mail address and outgoing voice message: Be aware of the image you communicate – foxyroxy and imcool may be cute e-mail names to your friends, but won’t impress a potential employer. If calls will be coming to your home phone, make sure the greeting is businesslike.
6. Make yourself memorable: People have to like you before they will hire you. Bring out the best in others; when you make other people look good not only will you look good, but you will be remembered too.
7. Watch yourself on video. Video-tape a mock interview, then watch it to see how you appear to others. Keep watching and keep practicing until you like what you see.
8. Research the industry, the company and its culture: Do all you can to prepare for your interview. Visit the company Website, view annual reports, read press releases and talk with employees to gain insider knowledge.
9. Avoid distractions: Keep your attention on the interviewer – maintain eye contact 90% of the time, keep your hands out of your pockets, and leave your phone in your car. The only thing worse than your phone ringing during an interview, is answering it.
10. Follow up: If you say you will get back to someone, follow through. Always send a handwritten thank-you note to anyone who has helped you or taken time to meet with you. And if you are interested, let your interest be known. Don’t wait for the phone to ring; pick it up and make the call.
