By: Nikki Peroutka
When it comes to making a good impression, everything counts. From the second you walk in the door at an interview, to the way you respond to a follow up email, you want to be your best self. These tips and tricks are little ways to market yourself and make a positive impact at your next job interview. Take notes!
- Make sure there’s nothing embarrassing on your social media pages. One of the first things a potential employer is going to do is an internet search of your name. You might want to make sure that profile picture of you doing a beer bong in college is deleted. Permanently. Make sure your social media pages reflect the image you are trying to portray.
- Think about what you can offer the company, not what the company can offer you. Really think about how your resume and cover letter are positioned. Concentrate on explaining what you bring to the table more than what you are looking for in a potential employer. Most employers seek a ‘givers’ not ‘takers.’
- Provide exactly what the company is asking for. If a job posting requests you send a cover letter, salary requirements and references, make sure you comply with their requests. It proves you can follow directions (even if they are simple) and makes things easier for the person collecting the applications.
- Do a little research on the company and get a feel for their culture. Reference the company’s culture when it makes sense in your communications, but don’t overdo it. Spending a little time getting to know the company shows initiative.
- Every communication is being judged. From the way you format your resume and cover letter, to emails you send to set up interviews, PROOF, PROOF, PROOF and then PROOF again! The only thing you’ll land with a typo or poor organization of your resume is at the top of the ‘no’ pile.
- A handwritten note goes a long way. The handwritten note is a lost art. At the very least, you should be sending an email thanking the interviewee for their time and consideration (but I’m still a fan of getting mail!).
- Watch the use of emojis in your communication. Some may see this form of communication as too casual in the initial stages of getting to know each other. Leave the LOLs and smileys for friends and family.
