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SEC 5 - The Do’s and Don’ts of Job Searching


You have just one opportunity to make a great first impression!

Here are tips we talk about in our SEC 3 episode of The Successful Encore Career Podcast to help keep your job search on target.




Initial Job Searching Steps  

  • Create a strategy and document your job search
  • Be sure to complete the process with follow ups
  • Have a professional email and voice mail
  • Research companies; utilize the info in cover letters and interviewing
  • Use all of your resources and network contacts to reach out for a new employment opportunity “Cute” voice mail greetings may be regarded negatively
  • If others answer your phone, be sure to coach them on the importance of a first impression
  • Unprofessional email addresses (e.g. “cuteness”, or using a significant date such as graduation year) could “age” your application    


Job Applications and Materials

  • ALL employment materials = resumes, cover letters, online applications, emails, letters = EVERYTHING MUST BE PERFECT Do not depend on spell-check
  • Be sure to have others check your materials
  • Work with professional job counselors    


Reviewing Job Descriptions

  • Carefully read job descriptions  
  • Be sure you are qualified for the position
  • Determine your transferable skills
  • Build accomplishment statements for interviews If you apply for every position, regardless of your skill level or lack of appropriate experience, you will face a frustrating job search    


Interviewing

  • Turn off your cell phone; dress for success
  • Be on time; know directions prior to interview day and practice the drive to ensure you arrive timely
  • Prepare and practice!  This builds your self-confidence and self-control
  • Be positive, go in with a great attitude
  • Research interviewing questions and be prepared to show you are the “best possible candidate”
  • Stay on track in an interview, regardless of the interviewer’s capability
  • BE A GREAT LISTENER – practice listening and answer the questions, do not stray
  • Focus on current skills, not past work
  • Research salary levels
  • Take only those items that you must have; portfolio, pen, copies of your resume, copy of the job description, your list of questions
  • Thank you letters within 24 hours and follow- up Do not be distracted by any electronics; focus on the interviewer
  • Do not over-react during an interview.  Even if questions are deemed to be illegal, re-direct the conversation to focus upon your experience and skills and your ability to do the job
  • Do not mumble, or be angry or defensive
  • Do not ask for exceptions or special accommodations (unless prescribed by law) until you have received an actual offer
  • Welcome training opportunities; be willing to learn
  • Salary discussions do not start until the employer brings up the topic
  • Do not assume that someone is willing to be your reference.  Ask ahead of time and provide references with your resume and the position description 
  • Family members are not proper work references    


Networking

  • Take the time needed to build your network
  • Stay in touch constantly with network contacts and realize this is a “two-way street”
  • Use the network to:  find opportunities, discover new companies, learn more about companies of interest
  • Develop and practice your “30 second elevator speech” and utilize it in your networking; always PRACTICE
  • Utilize social media, particularly LinkedIn
  • Informational interviewing with network contacts is invaluable in discovering opportunities Understand what type of jobs, type of industries and type of companies you are targeting before contacting your network for assistance
  • The elevator speech is 30 seconds for a reason!  Focus on your “work story” and do not overtake any conversation or networking connection – be brief, focused, concise
  • Be in control; do not give in to desperation
  • Be careful in social media – professionalism is critical in a job search
  • Informational interviews are not job interviews – do not ask for a job in this situation    


Learning New Skills

  • As you research position descriptions of interest to you, identify the skills/experience you lack. 
  • Determine if you are ready to learn new skills and look for resources to help you with that education and/or training
  • Consider:  temp work; volunteering; expanding your current job responsibilities; call employment agencies and nonprofits to see if they have options to help you meet your needs
  • Do not assume that training is not available
  • Do not dismiss opportunities to receive training
  • Do not presume that you cannot learn or be trained!

Thanks for listening to The Successful Encore Career Podcast, presented by Employment For Seniors.  If you would like more information about our podcast, please send us an email at podcast@employseniors.org.

Also available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favorite podcast player.

A podcast of the Circle270Media Network - www.circle270media.com


Location: Columbus, OH, USA

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