Not for one second can you afford to get lax about applying for jobs. In order to find employment you need to make sure that every single aspect of the application process is absolutely perfect.
When you’re out of work, the temptation to apply for every single job you see posted can be strong, you need to stamp down this urge. You simply can’t over extend yourself. Take your time and read each job listing. Make sure you meet all the qualifications. Doing this one simple thing, and only applying for jobs you qualify for increases the chances of you getting a job, and not just getting turned down over and over again. There’s no point in wasting your time by applying for jobs you don’t have a chance of getting.
Take your time with the application process. Don’t fly through it and be in a hurry to get it submitted. Yes, you do want to turn in your application before the company fills the position, but you also have to remember your application packet and the included work references will be the employer’s first impression of you, and you need it to be favorable. Go over your resume and make sure it’s geared specifically for the type of job your applying for. Take a few extra minutes and make sure you have filled out the entire application, and not left anything blank. Count your work references, do you have four? Is the contact information for your work references up to date? Are the submitted work references from the type of people a future employer will be impressed by?
While you wait for your upcoming interview, take some time to familiarize yourself with the company. You will be surprised by how much information you can learn just by reading their website. You want to pay careful attention to their mission statement, anything newsworthy they have recently accomplished, the companies they compete with, and their management team. Knowing this information will help you come up with questions you can ask during your interview, and you will also find knowledge of the company helps you stay calmer in the hours leading up to the interview.
A recent survey indicated that employer have been astonished by the attitudes of people showing up for interviews. No matter what type of job you’re applying for, you need to look polished and professional when you show up to your interview. Take the time to comb your hair, put on professional clothing, and don’t even think about using alcohol to calm your nerves. You should arrive for the interview a minimum of fifteen minutes before the appointed time.
Even if you don’t get the job, make sure you thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. You never know if they’ll have another position open up that you will be perfect for, so you want to leave them with favorable impression of yourself.
