During your job search there are many things to remember; in the following article I give you 10 things to remember NOT to do...

2.      Not being on LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com is a powerful professional networking tool being utilized by approximately 40 million registered users (linkedin.com).  The site gives you the chance to upload a professional photo of yourself, provide information about your skills, past work history and education, allows for others to recommend your work.  The site also allows you to reach out to people in various industries by “connecting” to them or being “introduced” to them through another contact.  This is a great new way to begin networking and searching for your next career.  Once you set up your account be sure to use it.  Log in 2-3 times per week and get connected to as many people in your industry as possible.  Networking doesn’t work if you don’t use it.

3.      Not doing company research- “What do you know about our company?” <insert cricket noise here>.  Don’t let this question catch you off guard.  Take 10 minutes to get on the company website and find 3-5 easy to remember facts.  For example, I interviewed at ING in Iowa quite a few years ago.  When they asked me what I knew about the company I stated, “Well, as an avid runner I know that ING sponsors the New York Marathon”.  DING DING DING!  He said that is the first time anyone had said that!  Finding something that interests you about the company is a great way to ensure you will remember it in the interview.  Writing down 3-5 items and keeping them with you is also an option- read through them before the interview then keep it tucked away. 

4.      You go to the interview unprepared- You have no resume, you have no portfolio, you are underdressed and you ran out of time to brush your teeth.  Yikes.  This is not a good way to start an interview.  Yes, there may be times when you get a call at 2pm and the interviewer would like to see you at 3pm.  If this is the case, do the best you can to look the part and try to gather as much of your material as possible.  Being well dressed and looking great is the top priority.  Have your portfolio and resume ready to go at all times.  Company research in this case may be difficult to do, but do the best you can.  As you apply for jobs- take a moment to jot down 3-5 things about the company by searching their website.  Keep these notes in your portfolio to reference during an interview.  Worst case scenario- ask the interviewer for a 3:30 or 4pm interview or ask if there is another day you can meet.  This is really a last resort…but can be used if needed.

5.      You smell, good or bad- Smelling in an interview could go one of two ways…you did not have time to shower and you just got done at the gym; or you did have time to shower and put on too much perfume or cologne.  The best scent at an interview is really no scent at all.  Find a trusted friend or family member that will sniff you out to be sure your scent is not too overbearing before you enter an enclosed space with an interviewer.

6.      Failure to show enthusiasm or interest- It’s important to give the interviewer some sort of non-verbal feedback when they are talking- smile, nod, raise your eyebrows- it’s also important to sound excited when you talk.  Have some sort of energy behind your answers but don’t go over-the-top.  There is a difference when stating “I applied for this job ‘cause I’m interested in it and qualified” and saying “I applied for this position because it is just the opportunity I have been searching for.  I’m also excited because it’s right in line with my skills and experience”.  Which one sounds better to you??  Even if you discover you are not interested in the position, keep your energy level up and continue to impress the interviewer…you never know what other opportunities may become available to you.

7.      You tell too much during the interview- I like to describe an interview like a first date- you want to get to know the person across the table from you, but not too much.  You want to tell the person about you, but not your whole life story.  The same is true for an interview.  While it’s important to talk about yourself in an interview- it’s even more important to keep the information you share into 1 of 3 categories:  Education, Experience and Skills.  This will ensure you cover your college education, your work/volunteer/internship experience and your skills/qualifications.  It is not necessary to tell the employer anything personal about your life including but not limited to: children, marriage, friends, or other family members. 

8.      You don’t network- I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but a job is not going to fall from the sky and land in your lap; finding a job can often be a full time job.  If you are not using all of the resources available to you- you are really missing out.  Attend a Chamber of Commerce event, talk to your Career Services Advisor, attend conferences, presentations and seminars, tell everyone you know you are searching for a job (don’t discount the line “I have a sister whose husband is an Accountant.  He said his boss is looking for an Assistant.  You should call him”).  The ‘friend of a friend of a friend’ is often someone you need to know!  At one time I was told that upwards of 80% of jobs are never posted, they are advertised by word of mouth…if no one knows you’re looking how do they know to tell you about the next great opportunity?  Don’t be shy, get the word out!

9.      You don’t volunteer- Much like I’ve stated above, a big part of networking is volunteering.  Another main reason people volunteer is to help others.  Employers like people who help others; it shows compassion, work ethic, drive and dedication.  Let’s say you want to work at the County Courthouse.  Try to find a volunteer or internship opportunity within the courthouse.  Maybe it’s sweeping floors or filing paperwork, but it’s better than being on the outside looking in PLUS it gives you access to jobs as soon as they become vacant AND it gives you a chance to meet people who may be in charge of hiring!  Volunteering is also a great addition to any resume and could lead to great References.

10.  Ring backs & nasty voice mails- when an employer calls you to set up an interview the last thing they want to hear is “Baby Got Back”, trust me.  When you are applying for positions PLEASE take the ring back OFF your phone.  An employer would much rather here the old-fashioned ringing of a phone instead of the latest Top-40, Hip Hop, or R&B hit.  Also, be sure your voicemail is short, concise and professional.  Use this as a script: “Hello!  You have reached the voicemail of Jane Smith.  I am currently unavailable but please leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as I can.  Thank you and have a great day”.  Now doesn’t that sound better than “you know who you called so say what you called to say”??  I think so…

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  Do you ever feel like your dream job is playing an elusive game of Hide ‘n’ Seek with you?  Like when you were a kid, and you would run around in the dusk of a hot July evening chasing Lightning Bugs and trying to find your brother (or sister, or friend, or neighbor kid) who had very cleverly hidden ABOVE you in the tree.  You only found your friend (or foe at this point) when they jumped down and ran to the ‘safe zone’ and began yelling how they got you again!!  How frustrating!

It’s common to feel frustrated, defeated, and lost in the midst of your job search.  It’s tough, demanding and tedious work to search for a job.  (I should know, I do it each day for my graduates!!)  So when you feel yourself getting drained from long hours in front of the internet, it’s time to try a new approach to the search.  Here are some tips to get out of your job search rut, and try some ‘out- of -the -tree’ ideas to find a new job.

1.       Shut off your computer.  Log off.  Close your laptop- put it away.  Now, get out of the house, or the library, and head to the nearest café.  Order a coffee (or a milkshake), and nuzzle up to the closest newspaper you can find.  Read the whole thing.  Yes, I said the WHOLE thing.  Take in what is happening in your community- what business is opening, what business is closing, who needs money, who’s giving money, what events are happening?  This is a great way to find a ‘hidden’ job lead or volunteer opportunity.  It’s also a great way to find out what type of networking events are happening in your neighborhood.  Once you are all caught up on your current events, then you can open the JOBS section and read through ALL the postings, yes, all of them.  You may be surprised how many leads you find here that are not online!

2.       Head to your nearest Chamber of Commerce.  Walk in and introduce yourself.  Give them your resume.  Let them know you are a recent graduate looking for a job in Marketing, Sales, Business, Healthcare, or whatever it may be.  Ask them what events are coming up that community members can be involved in.  Ask if they allow members to join at a discounted rate.  This may feel odd, weird, strange and uncomfortable…but it could also lead to some wonderful, great, fantastic contacts who may be able to assist you in your job search.

3.       Head back home, or to your library, fire up your computer and print off 20 copies of your resume.  Use nice paper.  Distribute them around town.  Yes, like a newspaper delivery person.  Be sure to dress professionally and have a plan of attack for each business you head into.  Have a short speech prepared for each person you encounter.  For example: “Hello, my name is Sue.  I am a recent graduate of Rasmussen College searching for a position in your company.  I’d like to leave my resume for the Hiring Manager.  Is the Manager available, or should I leave it with you?”   At this point, politely hand your resume to the front desk person.  Smile, and wait for their response.  Guess what, they will rarely say ‘NO’.  If they do, politely say ‘Thank you for your time.’ Smile, and go on to the next company.  Remember to keep a list of where you go so you can do a follow up call within 3-4 days of the drop.

4.       Finally, TAKE A DAY OFF!  Even CEO’s get a day off- you should too!  Choose 1-2 days each week where you try not to think about your job search.  This will re-energize you, and give you brand new job postings to look at once you are back on the case.  On your days off do something fun and different like- taking a walk around a really nice neighborhood to look at all the great homes.  Head to the dog park and watch the dogs play.  Take a stroll through a flower garden.  Grab your camera and take some abstract, outdoor photos.  Write a blog!  Whatever you choose to do with your day off, remember that your hard work and dedication to your job search will pay off eventually.  But whatever you do- Pick Up That Phone; it could be your Career Calling!