Some common networking myths include that extroverted people are better at making connections and that small talk is the best way to ingratiate yourself with a new contact, writes Josh Mait, the chief marketing officer at Relationship Science. "Eschew the pointless name collecting and focus instead on high-quality connections with long-term value," he writes.
The most common question used to begin a job interview is some variation of Tell me about yourself." To make a good impression, answer by providing pertinent, career-related information and leaving out personal and social details. Discuss your education, work background and key accomplishments while keeping your answer brief.
Facebook groups can be a helpful career tool if used correctly, writes Sarah White. After finding a group that applies to your career, introduce yourself and contribute regularly to make connections in your field. You can organize events or use the group to learn about networking opportunities.
By being prepared to build on the qualities your resume indicates with real-life stories that show you putting those traits in action, you can enjoy better success at job interviews. Look for gaps or points of need that a company may have, and address ways you can assist with them during an interview.
Here's a copy of a message I received today from my colleague, Jimmy Sweeney, that I thought would be important information for all you job seekers.
"Hello Lee,
Many hiring managers face a pile of cover letters each and every day from job seekers.
If you want yours to stand out from the crowd, make it short, succinct, and snappy!
In other words, grab the reader's attention and hold it.
The last thing you want to do is bog down the employer with a multi-page letter filled with ponderous prose.
Instead incorporate the following seven secrets--the ones every cover letter should include:
Secret #1: Write a one-page cover letter, period.
Secret #2: Leave lots of "white space" in your letter so it's easy to read.
Secret #3: Create three paragraphs maximum or the cover letter will overwhelm.
Secret #4: Number or "bullet" your lists when this technique fits. It catches interest.
Secret #5: Bold face the first sentence of each paragraph to highlight your point.
Secret #6: Write only three sentences per paragraph for quick scanning.
Secret #7: Print out your letter and read it yourself. Is it a good example of the secrets on the list above? If not, edit where needed.
Effort = Effectiveness!
The time you spend now will come back to you a hundredfold when the hiring manager selects the most promising job seekers to call for interviews.
Your cover letter is the first step.
Make it count by using the seven secrets above.
Bonus Cover Letter Tip: Don't be afraid to ASK for the opportunity to be interviewed. Ask and you shall receive! :-)
Yours for OUTSTANDING job search success,
-Jimmy
P.S. The most-overlooked moneymaking secret in today's job market is the 'humble' cover letter. Perfectly focused cover letters are the fastest, easiest way to dramatically increase your job interviews and job offers, PERIOD."
If you don't have a list of references and multiple copies of your resume, you aren't prepared for your job interview, writes Laura McMullen. You should take the items in a folder that contains a pen and paper for note-taking. Intangible items that you can't forget on interview day include knowledge of the company, the questions you plan to ask and any evidence or achievements you have that back up your previous job performance.
Before quitting your job, ask yourself whether your position allows you to continue learning, writes Kirsten Helvey. Furthermore, you need to decide whether you're on the right path to reach the level of success you've aimed for. Finally, determine how your personal life may be affected by what you do next.
If you go into an interview with a solid plan of what you can achieve within your first 30, 60 and 90 days on the job, you're much more likely to get hired, writes Peggy McKee. Such a plan removes a lot of the risk associated with hiring a new employee. "When it comes to hiring, bosses never want a coin toss -- they want a clear winner," writes McKee.
Job seekers should adopt a different strategy for each step of a multistage interview
process, Megan Santos writes. For the prescreening interview, be ready to rattle off the qualities that will make you a valuable employee. During the in-house interview, ask questions and focus on your body language.
Showing up late or unprepared is an obvious interview gaffe to avoid, but you also should not leave your phone on or avoid questions. Many job seekers aren't aware that they shouldn't sit before being invited to. It's also recommended that you don't slouch or mumble, as you want to project a confident attitude.