There are many things that affect our ability to find and keep a job, but there are some things we can do to make a good first impression with a potential employer. The following tips can assist people in finding a job that provides a living wage, which is essential to being able to cover the costs of living for your family. 1. Start by making a list of the qualities and skills you have that would make you a good candidate for the job you want. 2. Research companies that you would like to work for and see if they have any open positions that match your skills. 3. If you see a job opening that you are interested in, be sure to submit a well-written resume and cover letter. 4. Once you have submitted your resume, follow up with the company to make sure they received it and to express your interest in the position. 5. If you are selected for an interview, be sure to dress professionally and arrive early. During the interview, be sure to answer any questions honestly and give specific examples of your skills and experience.
The steps listed below are things you can do yourself. If you are not comfortable with the job you have, you can go to a local job center for help. These government-funded centers provide free advice and resources to those who are unemployed and seeking new skills.
Pre-interview steps
It might be a good idea to create a new email account with just your name or an abbreviation of your name if your current email address is funny, inappropriate, or nonsensical/silly. Most employers will see an unprofessional email address as a red flag, especially when hiring for high-skilled or high-paying positions. If you need to keep your email address, make a new one that is easy to understand.
It is important to make sure that your phone bill is paid and that your ringtone is not disruptive when you are waiting for potential employers to call you back. It’s really annoying when someone calls your phone and it’s been shut off. Although you may enjoy a certain type of music, it may not be appropriate for your employer to listen to it. When you are unsure of what ringtone to choose, go with one that is already loaded onto your phone. You can always change it later.
If you use social media, you should consider making your profile private so that only your friends and family can see it. When employers are looking at candidates, they consider many factors. Something as seemingly innocent as a post on social media could change their opinion about a candidate. It is impossible to predict how others will react to what you post online, so it is best to err on the side of caution and keep your posts neutral or private. Be careful about what you put online for all aspects of your life.
You should check your credit rating to see how good your credit is. Your credit score can affect your ability to get a job, as many employers now check credit scores as part of the background check process. If you have a history of not paying debts or bills on time, your credit scores may be low. In this case, you should contact a non-profit credit counselor as soon as possible. You can find a list of assistance programs from credit counseling agencies online. These programs can help you get out of debt, improve your credit score, and manage your finances.
It is a good idea to have someone else look over your resume before you send it to potential employers. This way, you can be sure that it is clear and concise, and presents you in the best light possible. When an employer is looking at candidates, it is important that they have good spelling and grammar, can write well, and are honest. A professional case manager can help you with your job search by giving you advice and connecting you with resources like the One Stop Centers.
Prepare for the interview and go on it
If you are able to get an interview, try to look professional and presentable. Some ways to make a strong first impression are to have clean fingernails, clean clothes, minimal jewelry, and a neat appearance. Do not smoke before the interview if you smoke. Don’t interrupt the interview by taking phone calls. If you must, wait until the interview is over.
There are plenty of places to get professional clothing for free if you can’t afford to pay for it. Clothing closets are a great resource for free professional attire. Charity programs are nothing to be embarrassed about. Many people rely on them from time to time. The clothing closets also fully support those people who are trying to become self-sufficient by getting a new or better job and paying their bills and expenses.
Before going to your job site, lay out your clothes for the next day, plan your route, and eat a nutritious breakfast. Checking traffic conditions beforehand will help you plan your route and avoid any potential delays. If you can’t afford to pay for transportation to your interview, try looking into charities like the Salvation Army. They may have free transportation options or bus passes. Some people are offering free gasoline vouchers as a way to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Make sure to arrive either on time or even earlier than the specified time. No matter where you live, you will always have to deal with traffic. Be sure to leave earlier than necessary. Give yourself time to calm down and prepare before the interview. Arriving late to a job interview signals to the employer that you do not value their time, which is not a good way to start off the interview. This is the easiest step to get right for a job interview.
Have some free time and be willing to change plans. Make sure to answer any emails from potential employers in a timely and professional manner. If you are unsure about how you will be able to balance work and your personal life, or how you will deal with your commute, or the company’s culture, tell yourself that you will be able to figure it out in the future. If you keep an open mind and are willing to be flexible, you may find that employers are more willing to work with you and eliminate any obstacles you may face.
Make sure you are familiar with the company you are interviewing with by researching them online beforehand. Researching a potential employer is a good way to learn more about the company and see if it would be a good fit for you. The interviewer may ask you questions about the company, so it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of the company.
To improve or update one’s computer skills. If you don’t have the skills needed for today’s high tech workplace, there are places you can go to learn them. Many job training centers offer free workshops that can help you gain the skills you need to get a job. The most recent software and technology will be presented. Non-profit organizations and companies offer low-cost or free Internet access and home computers to low-income families. Be proactive and sign up for classes.
Be positive and excited for the interview. Your attitude at work is everything. Even if you don’t think the job is right for you, it’s still important to make a good impression. You may be considered for another job or remembered in the future if another position at the company becomes available.
Post interview actions
It is always polite to send a follow-up thank you email after an interview. This helps to show your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. When you give a thoughtful gift to your interviewer, it shows that you care about them and are professional. This can leave a great impression on them. If you consistently do a lot of small things, it can have a big impact overall.
Do not give up. You may need to interview for several positions before you find one that is the right fit for you and meets your needs. Remember that landing a job will lead you to independence, financial security, a higher income and gained confidence knowing you can support yourself and your family with your household expenses in the future.