In today's world, job seekers must be current - in attire, approach to the job search, and in their use of technology. For some who have been in the world of work for a number of years, that may be easier said than done, but it is important to get up to speed.
The basics refresher - The clothes you wear, not only for interviewing, but networking also, should be clean and fairly conservative. Of course some professions who require creativity provide a little more flexibility in what is appropriate. But in general, men or women should dress as you would for work when you go to networking meetings and a little better than you would for work when you go in for a job interview. For women, it is appropriate to wear no more than one pair of earrings and no other visible piercings. A little color in your attire is generally good, but something on the conservative side would be good.
Although some of today's fashions are a bit much for some older job seekers, women or men should also not wear something that was appropriate in the 80s. So men's jackets and slacks or suits should also be current. Shoes should be polished and comfortable to walk in - and that applies to both genders. I suggest you carry a briefcase that is not too bulky or just a portfolio. Women who carry a briefcase should not also carry a purse.
In today's job market, the large majority of jobs that are filled are never advertised anywhere, so it is important to spend the majority of your search time networking. Some time should be devoted to print ads and/or online sources, but monitor your time appropriately. You also need to be able to apply for jobs online, whether it means uploading or posting your electronic version of your resume or filling out an online application. Along those same lines, you should include your cell phone number and/or email address on your resume and in your cover letter. These items indicate that you are at least fairly current with technology. Of course, for the job search purposes (including networking), you need to make sure your email address is not some goofy or cutesy sounding address. You also need to make sure that your outgoing message, whether on your home phone or cell phone, is something that is professional sounding. Additionally, if it is possible that someone else will answer calls placed to your home, make sure they will be able to speak in a professional manner and take a complete and accurate message. If that is not the case, you may wish to include only your cell phone number. In either case, label which number is which when you include them on your resume or correspondence.
It is also recommended that you have a profile on LinkedIn. It is true that many employers are checking online persona even before they invite candidates in for an interview, let alone before they make a job offer. Having a profile on LinkedIn is another way to indicate that you are at least somewhat comfortable with technology. Although Facebook is not considered as professional a site as LinkedIn, it is possible that a potential employer will check for a Facebook page for a candidate. So be careful about what is posted out there if you have a Facebook page. As an additional thought, sometimes you can introduce yourself to people because of LinkedIn connections.
So, if you are in, or about to conduct a job search, make sure your resume, wardrobe and knowledge of technology are current. That puts you in a better position to compete for the opportunities that are/or will soon be available.
Mary Ann Davis (M.A.) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, planning for retirement or non-retirement, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, and returning to work or school. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them to find solutions to their life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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