Blog Post: Treat Your Job Search Like Yogurt - Be Proactive

If the Jamie Lee Curtis commercial is correct-activity in yogurt boosts your immune system, being active in your job search boosts your chances of being hired.  By being active-I mean being fully committed to every aspect of your job search. Following up on the little details can be the factor that will get you hired.

First, review your resume and have it checked for any errors.  If you need to make updates, have them double-checked as well.  Contact your references and former supervisors-don’t assume your old manager is still working at your old job, or if your old company is still in business.  Nothing will knock an applicant out of consideration faster than providing inaccurate or unverifiable information on an application or resume.

Most of what comes across my desk are applications that are only marginally completed, resumes with spelling errors, or white out stains, and cover letters addressed to a different company.  Applicants usually do my work for me and screen themselves out by not following simple directions on how to apply for the job, what credentials to forward, what the next steps are in the process.  If an applicant cannot follow simple directions, or appears sloppy or lazy in the application process-they will not be considered any further. 

An applicant can put themselves in the top tier of candidates simply by following the application instructions.  If the employer asks for an application-don’t send your resume, and vice versa.  If you are not asked to-do not send references, transcripts, first draft of your novel, etc.  Have these items ready at the time of interview. 

Review your voicemail or answering service-make sure your message is professional, concise, and upbeat.  If you are in the job market-have a professional message for your contact number.  I’ve heard everything from profanity to long-winded quotations, and most commonly-someone’s favorite song.  Even if it’s a song I like I don’t have time to listen to 2 minutes of music-which usually ends with no identifying outgoing message. 

Be active and creative with your follow-up.  If you decide to contact an employer without being instructed to do so-make sure you have something to say.  This is your 1 chance to make a good impression-so don’t be the tenth person that calls that day to “check on the status of my application”.  Let the employer know what you can offer and why your qualifications warrant serious consideration for the position. 

If you have been interviewed, send a Thank You card.  This is proper etiquette and a good professional follow-up.  Unfortunately, it is the exception to the rule-most people we interview do not do this.  A timely, post-interview thank you note can be enough to push you into the next round of the process.

Remember hiring is a business decision-it’s not about how bad you want the job, it’s about what you can offer the company.  Treat the employment process like a business transaction-let the employer know what you plan to do with this opportunity, not why you need the money.