6 Tips For Getting Hired in this Economy

With unemployment numbers climbing and people needing to keep a positive cash flow, you could find yourself interviewing for a position that you may be overqualified for, not all that interested in and yet really need. Here are some basics to keep in mind:

1. Be enthusiastic.
Even if the job is not your #1 choice you need to act as if it is ~~ if you want to get hired, that is. When I interviewed candidates, I would explain what the job entailed, what the responsibilities of the position were and what the successful candidate might look like. You, the candidate, need to keep the conversation interactive. I can’t tell you how many candidates lost out on employment opportunities because their enthusiasm level was imperceptible. Tell the interviewer why you want to work at this company and why you are perfect for the job. She/he shouldn’t have to check you for a pulse ~~ not in any economy!

2. Have a great resume.
Your resume is your #1 marketing tool, absolutely! Professional resume writers know the importance of branding, positioning and value statements. It’s our job to write resumes that get noticed. Make the investment here; it will pay solid dividends for you.

3. Be able to articulate your accomplishments.
Be prepared to talk about your accomplishments using the STAR acronym. Have examples ready. Explain your achievements in terms of what the Situation was, the Task(s) you performed, Action you took and Result achieved.

4. Know what’s important to the company you’re interviewing with.
Utilize your local library and introduce yourself to the Reference librarian. These folks are a job seekers best friend. They know their stuff and they know how to get to it fast. Do your homework; know what the company is about and what is important to it.

5. Know what you are worth.
When the interviewer asks what salary you are looking for, know your value. Know what the job typically pays; know what your experience is worth. Take current market conditions into consideration so you don’t price yourself out of the competition.

6. Be able to explain why you should get the job.
There are more people competing for the same jobs these days. Add in the folks that were laid off from jobs they were good at, and it’s easy to see that “there’s a lot of talent on the street” as we say in HR. You need to differentiate yourself from the competition, know what makes you unique. This is an important job search technique to master.