Career and Job Search Help Blog

It has been several months and you have not gotten any interviews or if you had, you are not getting any job offers. Is there anything that you can do to help yourself? Here are some very solid steps that you can'take to better your chances at landing a job that is a fit for you.

Reconsider Your Resume

Make sure that your resume is 100% error-free. If you have read and re-read it many times, you are probably googly-eyed by now. Ask a friend or colleague to check it for spelling and grammar.

At the top, include a summary about your skills. It should include hard skills such as knowing certain software programs and soft skills like being a strong and concise communicator or team player.

You should also consider including a personal interest section at the bottom. Many managers who are hiring are not comfortable interviewing job applicants and they are not good at it. (That is why they are usually accompanied by the HR person.) Adding a mention of some personal interests, such as gardening, sports, vintage films, etc. (Do not include any interests that might offend someone!) gives them a conversation starter.

Emphasize tangible results. Example: "Managed a department of 10 salespeople and generated $1 million in revenues, up 15% from last year." Employers like to hear about increased revenue, the money you saved the company, or new clients that you brought in.

Re-vamp Your Cover Letters

Do not regurgitate your resume. Give the potential employer a reason why you should be hired. Keep the letter short. The introductory paragraph should state the position for which you are applying. The middle few paragraphs should highlight the top three elements of the job description and explain why you will fit the job well. Example: if the job requirements include 10 years of experience using communication skills, describe how your communication skills saved the day at your previous job.

Conduct a Focused Job Search

Apply only for the positions for which you are truly qualified. Do some research at the library and make a list of all the companies you would most like to work for. Let your friends and family know about your job search; in particular, what type of position you are looking for. Start a Twitter account, if you do not already have one.

Re-examine Your Interview Technique

Are you dressed appropriately for interviews? Men should always wear a suit and women should wear either slacks or a skirt with a nice blouse or top. Get to the interview early. Practice before going on each interview. Try to anticipate questions and prepare responses for them, so that if and when you are asked, you will be prepared. Some questions always come up in any interview. This will also alleviate the nervousness that you will undoubtedly feel at the interview. Be prepared to ask a few questions.

Research the company and go in with a knowledge of its priority concerns, clients and competitors.

Always make eye contact with the interviewer and offer a confident handshake. State your accomplishments clearly. Never be negative in the interview, especially about a former boss, co-worker or company.

Thank Your Interviewer

Always send a thank-you note, either by email or postal mail. It is a good way to follow up with additional information about yourself.

Contact the Interviewer

If you do not get the position, contact the interviewer and ask what you could have done better or why you did not get the job. You might get back some interesting feedback.

Need more information? Have a look at the following titles:

You can find more books on job search at your local library, the Toronto Reference Library or North York Central Library.

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