Tips that can help you get hired
In the first part of this blog post, we discussed ways to approach applications and resumes, as well as steps not to take. In this final part, we review how employers tend to evaluated applicants.
Besides your resume or application, employers use various other evaluation tools to determine if someone would be a good asset to the company.
These tools may include screening for minimum and preferred qualifications, phone or Zoom interviews before an in-person one, reference and background checks and employee referrals.
Another popular screening mechanism some potential employers now use is a review of your social media pages, a good reason to review that potential post before you make it. Will something posted in an emotional moment come back to affect you later?
Most potential employers will go over the job description with candidates and answer any questions in the interview process. This discussion becomes an opportune time for applicants to ask about work environment, organizational culture, career pathways and leadership training, as well as growth opportunities.
Be genuine about what you are looking for in those areas so that you are committed to the requirements of the position for which you are applying.
It’s understandable, of course, there your resume may include a “hiccup” such as a termination or having had multiple jobs in a short period, so this time can also offer the opportunity to gain the trust of a new potential employer in this screening stage.
Be honest about why you were let go from a previous job, perhaps because of a downsizing or company restructure. However, if the situation arose from something you did, take ownership and dedicate yourself to doing better in the next job. Be prepared, therefor to answer questions about this during the interview.
For example, a candidate was terminated from his or her last job because of poor attendance.
The best approach for this candidate is not to make excuses or lie. Own up to the poor-attendance record and explain why. In one such instance, an applicant indicated she was experiencing car problems and did not have reliable transportation. Since then, she has acquired a reliable vehicle and getting to work on time is no longer a problem.
And no matter what the reason, keep the conversation positive about your previous employer. Don’t talk negatively about your previous employer, manager or co-workers.
And if you voluntarily left previous employment, explain why and be honest. Examples that tend to be viewed as more typical include …
· Needed to be at home more
· Wanted to spend more time with family
· Sought a closer work commute
· Had to provide care to a loved one
· Hoped to find a role and responsibilities the previous company could no longer offer.
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