Trish’s Jobsearch Tips

• What to do while you are waiting

What to do while you are waiting for those call backs, I know it’s hard. But you need to continue to keep looking. Just because you have gotten a few interviews and maybe even a second interview or two. You can’t stop your job search. You may not have been a good fit, or they may have found someone who had more of a connection with the interviewer. You can’t loose hope, you need to stay in there and keep positive, the right job is just around the corner just waiting for you.

In the mean time you can do some house keeping on your cover letter and resume. Practice your interviewing skills. Think about what it is you really want and what is your bottom line financially.

• What does your cover letter look like?

• Do you sell your self in the opening line?

• Is it advertising your skills?

• Do you customize it for each position you apply for?

If not you should add a quick snap shot of your premier skills in opening paragraph. The opening should be your pitch to get there attention. Something like this: Are you looking for a motivated, flexible, problem solver who will get the job done well? Then please review my resume.

The second paragrah should then address the skills they are looking for : internal/external client relations etc.

The third should talk about being available at their convenience for an interview and that references are available at their request.

Don’t forget to sign it with Sincerely or Regards (keep it professional) Be sure every thing is spelled correctly and makes sense.

See example below:

If you are looking for a motivated, flexible, problem solver with efficient time management skills, who will get the job done well?

Then, please review my résumé, which details my considerable experience in Project Management, Residential Construction Home Services and Customer Service. My strengths are in the areas of Client/Trade relations, innovation, flexibility, problem resolution, and efficient time management.

I believe I would be ideal candidate for your (fill in the blank) position within your firm, can support your companies requirements in all areas i.e.: Internal/External Client Management, Escalation/Issue Resolution, Implementation/Tracking, Inventory Control, Budgeting, Sales, Customer satisfaction, and Staff development.

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss available positions within your firm.

Please contact me to set up interview at your convenience. Business references are available at your request.

Sincerely,

• How many versions of your resume do you have?

• Do you customize it toward the position you are applying for?

You should have minimum of two or three. And then you should customize as needed prior to sending it or posting it on the jobsites.

Make sure if you are posting your resume that you don’t have too much information, just include your name, email, (phone number if you decide). With all of the privacy concerns you may want to have special email address just for your resume to prevent spam.

I think this covers most of some of the housekeeping items. Keep practicing, the more you do the more at ease you will be at the interview.

I had an interesting day yesterday, I went down to the city for an interview and when I got there the Human Resources person met me. He told me they had made an offer last night to another candidate, and was I still interested in interviewing anyway since the person they made the offer to, will be promoted in about six months and they will be hiring again.

I was shocked at how inconsiderate that was, I had come all that way for nothing, with out even a call to let me know.(my interview wasn’t until 1:00 PM there is no excuse!) In addition he kept me waiting for about a half hour. I filled out the application and still sent out a thank you note for his time, but I did mention I was disappointed that he didn’t call me to cancel the interview.

I feel like (he felt) my time wasn’t valuable. I had to turn down another interview for the same day because I had agreed to this one first. And now I am waiting for the call back to reschedule the other interview. Very frustrating and disappointing.

Well thats all for now.

Have a good day talk again soon.

Trish