Many people today find themselves competing for the same jobs. So, how can you ‘stand out’ in a job market filled with so many applicants? There are steps you can take to make yourself ‘attractive’ to potential employers. Here are some tips:
Your name should be your brand, not nickname: Don’t confuse potential employers by using your maiden name on your resume (CV) and your married name in your email. In other words, stick to just one name – be it your maiden name or your spouse’s name (for married women). And the nickname your friends find funny, may not look professional.
Meet an employer’s need: You may want to do a job you’ve never done before, but there’s not much in that for the employer. Any time you apply for a job, make sure you can give a timeline of past jobs/career as it would show why you are truly qualified for the job.
Learn other skills: Learning a new skill is always worthwhile, as it can lead to job offers or promotions, and any employee can benefit from improving their skills. Or you could increase your technical skills by learning how to be tech-savvy; in other words, lean how to use a computer to know how to work online because most activities are now online.
Dress properly: An adage says “Dress the way you want to be addressed”. This is true because the way you would dress for an interview would determine whether you are qualified or not. Sometimes, most people speak differently based on what they are wearing; so dressing professionally will help you talk more appropriately.
Listen attentively: Learn to listen closely so that you will respond without cutting off the interviewer. That way, you can tell if an interviewer is losing interest in you as a candidate.
Think ahead: Be prepared with answers to potential interview questions. Always answer questions with words such as can, have, and will. Make a list of questions about the job you think you would like to ask the interviewer. Do more research about the job, especially the post you are applying for.
Practice: There may be companies that contact you about a position that you’re not too excited about. Even if you know you’ll never take the job, still use that opportunity to interview and improve your skills. This will really come in handy for that interview you really want.
Leave a good first impression: It is often said that first impressions are lasting impressions. Therefore more than anything, learn how to make your first impressions work: go early, dress appropriately, and take note of your surroundings.
