By Barbara Louise Davis
To prepare consumers for the upcoming
Louisville Career Fair on March 20, 2013, CAL is providing a Job Readiness Class
on resumes March 7 from 10:00-11 a.m. at the Louisville Free Public Library (main
branch). On March 13 CAL will host a Job Fair Boot Camp (at CAL) from 1-4 p.m. Boot Camp will cover knowing your rights,
online job applications, what employers are looking for, and other job search
issues.
Job seekers have a lot of questions and
sometimes make mistakes as a result of not knowing the answers. The following list
of dos and don’ts provide a guide. Attending CAL’s Job Readiness Class and Job
Fair Boot Camp will ensure applicants have the information and assistance needed
in following these guidelines.
DO:
Take Job Fairs Seriously
HR
managers have ways of keeping track of professionally dressed attendees at job
fairs. Additionally, people sometimes get interviewed on the spot and hired.
This does not happen to those who arrive inappropriately dressed or with kids
in tow.
Believe in Yourself
If you are not absolutely sure you are the
best candidate for the job, it will show. Before heading out to sell yourself to a
potential employer, sell yourself to YOU.
Put Your Best Self Forward in Your
Resume
Show what you
accomplished and how you met your employer’s needs rather than simply listing
job titles and duties. Use action words
and qualifiers to do this. For example:
“Promoted customer retention by serving food with enthusiasm and friendliness”
instead of “Waited on customers in restaurant.”
Stay Prepared
Keep
interview outfits and accessories clean and tear-free. Have money on hand for
gas or transportation expenses. Plan your departure time in advance in order to
leave early enough to accommodate any possible delays. Keep your resume
polished and up-to-date. If you need assistance with any aspect of the job
search, including professional interview clothing, call 211 for information on
organizations that can help.
Be Ready for the Interview
Practice
your interviewing skills with a friend or a professional during a mock
interview. Research the company prior to sending out the application, and be
ready with a list of good questions to ask the interviewer. Just before the
interview relax and present an appearance of poise and self-confidence. If you
practice this often enough, you will be able to get through an interview
without nervous gestures or “freezing” at difficult questions.
Know Your Rights
Research
disability rights on the internet and at the library. Attend free workshops on
all aspects of job seeking - including disability rights - offered at CAL and
other agencies. Knowing your rights can ease fears about asking for accommodations
and prepare applicants for handling any “illegal” questions that might come up.
Follow Up After the Application and Interview
Show
an interest in the position with a follow-up phone call after the application
is submitted. If an interview is granted, send a thank-you note immediately
afterward.
DON’T:
Sabotage Yourself
Prevent
this by submitting your application in a timely manner. Stay abreast of
technology that is used in job searches. Check your resume, application and
cover letter thoroughly for errors and wording. When filling out applications
or attending job fairs, be appropriately dressed. Arrive at the interview on
time - professionally dressed and confident.
Leave Out the Cover Letter
The
cover letter lets the hiring personnel know which position you are applying for
and briefly explains why you are the best candidate for the job. It also
provides contact information and asks for an interview. Employers will often
trash a resume without reading it if a cover letter is not attached.
