Preparing for the Interview
For
over twenty years as an etiquette professional, I’ve trained countless job
seekers. Not much has changed in those decades, except our expanded
use of technology. Today, we can apply for a job using Social
networking sites, such as LinkedIn. We commonly use an email program
to contact an organization’s HR department. Additionally, we live on
our cellphones. Many times, we use these electronic appendages to
reply to those HR departments and recruiters. Some of those calls
and emails
could be the difference between a future job and a trip to the unemployment
office.
Consequently,
it would benefit all job seekers to follow a few of my
suggestions.
Consider Your Use of a Cellphone
Sure,
texting is fast and convenient. However, it’s not the best method to
use for answering emails from a recruiter or anyone else who may be trying to
assist you in your job hunt. These replies should appear
professional and well-thought-out. Therefore, it is best to reply to
those messages with a proper email program on a computer.
Additionally,
consider what impression you are sending those who call you. It’s a
no-brainer to wear your best attire to an interview. So, why not dress up your voicemail greeting? Instead of, “Hey, dude, this
is John, shoot me a message.” It may be better to state,
“You’ve reached the phone of John Martinez. Please leave me a
message, including your phone number and best time I may reach you, and I will
return your call very soon.”
Clean Up Your Social Media Profiles
Allow
me to tell you a little story--true, of course. One of my young
friends interviewed for a position in a top Fortune 500 company. She
was perfect for the job, as her previous position was remarkably similar.
For
this type of position, there were a series of interviews, which she sailed
through nicely. However, within a week after her final interview,
she received notice that the job was not hers. Why? The hiring
manager searched the Internet for her profiles
and found some questionable pictures, some with a negative connotation for someone
who would be representing a high-profile company.
The
lesson here? Review all social media profiles and view them as
someone else might. Remove any pictures and posts that include alcohol,
partying, and anything too personal. Remove all political and
religious posts. Contact all friends and family informing them of
your focus. Ask them to refrain from “tagging” you in their
pictures.
Remember,
your online presence is part of your brand. Make it work for you,
not against you!
Your Email Address Represents Your Brand
Ask
yourself. Does your email address reflect the image you want an employer
to see? Willworkforbeer@yahoo.com probably won’t cut it, unless you want
to sell beer. Therefore, it is vitally important to create a
business-like email account address using your first and last name.
Additionally,
send only well-written
emails with good grammar and punctuation. Always remember,
everything you do and say reflects who you are. Consider that all your actions
speak loudly. Ask yourself, how you want to be perceived, and then work
toward making sure you represent that perception.
More
by Rebecca
Job Seeking
Using the Internet & Good Social Skills
Internships
Can Lead You to Your Dream Job
The Top 3
Qualities Interviewers Look for During the Interview
Comments
Post a Comment