Whether you are gainfully employed or still looking for a job, we all want to look good to our future boss. If you are someone who is thinking about looking for a new job, or your first big girl job, there are some ways to make yourself more attractive to an employer. Follow our steps, and you’ll be on your way to your dream job in no time.
Check Your Social Media
Remember those pictures you were tagged in from that drunken sorority party, take those down. While you’re at it, make sure that the rest of your social media accounts are cleaned up. If you need too, create a business account for things like Twitter and Instagram, and keep a private one for yourself. But, be careful of putting up photos or posts that involve too much alcohol, anything sexual, or offensive. Now that you are an adult, it’s time to start using your social media accounts like an adult. And, don’t think that they won’t be looking at your social media before they interview or hire you, they definitely will be.
Dress The Part
Don’t come to an interview dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. In most cases, overdressing is the way to go. I would suggest wearing a suit, if you have one, to most interviews. Other good options include blazers, dress slacks, sweaters, pencil skirts, and silk blouses. Your outfit is going to make a first impression. Make sure that it makes a positive one.
Research, Research, Research
I know that it can be all too easy to just apply to a ton of jobs on sites like Indeed or Monster, but, keep track of the jobs you are interviewing for. Take time to read up on the company and what they do. Also, make sure that you read over the skills of the position you are applying for, so you can be confident that they fit well with your talents.
Make Eye Contact
When you are in the actual interview, make eye contact with the people interviewing you. This is going to show that you are confident and listening. I know that it can be intimidating to look the people in the eyes who might hold your future in their hands, but, it is going to make you stand out.
Do Mock Interviews
This can be as simple as asking a friend or family member to look up interview questions online and take the time to go over them with you before your interview. This will help you to think about different stories and experiences you can share. It will also keep you from repeating the same thing, or saying words like um and erm a lot. Especially if you are going for a job in a more creative or business-like field, communication is essential. If you can’t communicate yourself well for thirty minutes in an interview, why would they hire you?
Constantly Be Updating Your Resume
There are so many resources online that can help you with this one, but make sure that you are checking your resume before sending it out everywhere. Make sure that all the grammar is correct, and there aren’t any spelling errors. Try to make your resume stand out as much as possible. Most times, people aren’t taking the time to read through your resume word per word, they are skimming it for what’s important. That means make words bold, use bullets, and get your point across in as few words as possible. For those of you applying to more creative positions, don’t be afraid to play with different fonts and colors on your resume. That is going to help you stand out from your competition.
I hope that these tips can help you as you look to start furthering your career!
For tips on what to do when you start looking for a new job, check out our article here.
