Applying and interviewing for a new job can be tough – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
“It shouldn’t be scary applying for a job,” professional recruiter Caitlin Solomon said. “We’re happy to help guide you throughout this process, but there are also steps you can take on your own.”
Follow these tips from Solomon and recruitment strategist Shannon Howell and land the job you’re after.
Take your time
Do your research. Know a bit about the company you’re applying to work for and the specific job. Understand the Mission of the organization. Before you send in your application, you should know how you’ll answer the question, “Why did you apply here?”
Don’t move on to your next application too quickly. Take the time to make a list of each job you apply for including the location, hours and shift. When you get a call to schedule an interview, your response shouldn’t be, “Which job is this about?”
Be thorough
Do include your entire work history. Listing all of your previous jobs and accomplishments will ensure you won’t be overlooked by the hiring manager and are being paid based on your years of experience.
Don’t discredit your entry level job. Use the opportunity to showcase some of the less obvious skills you performed. Instead of listing flipping burgers on your resume, flaunt your customer service experience. “Use the skills you learned to highlight the skills needed in your next job,” Howell said.
Consider your presentation
Do get that haircut. Show up to your interview clean, well-groomed and dressed professionally. “I’ve never had a manager say to me, ‘That person was too overdressed,’” Solomon said.
Don’t wear jeans. Jeans and low cut tops are never appropriate for a job interview. Depending on the setting, neither are tattoos or vibrant hair colors.
“We’re not looking at whether your clothes are expensive or in style. We just want to see that you put forth an effort and understand what it takes to present yourself professionally,” Howell said.
Don’t give up too easily
Do be patient. The hiring process can take weeks or months. When you apply for a job through the OSF Careers website, you can check the status of your application. As long as it says you are still under consideration, be confident that you’re still in the running.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the job. There are many possible reasons that you didn’t get the position you were gunning for. If it’s a job or an organization you’re passionate about, keep looking for another opportunity. “Jobs are plentiful. We want to see how you accept feedback about what you could do better, so that when you re-apply in six months we can see that you’ve made progress,” Solomon said.
Visit osfcareers.org to see what opportunities are available for you.
Last Updated: January 31, 2020