You have your resumé polished up, and your cover letter is flawless but you still aren’t getting any jobs? If your resumé and other needed parts are all in place, it’s still not a guarantee that you are ready, you need to also brush up a bit on yourself as well. This extends until after you get that gig as well (so no slacking off after the fact).
Don’t dress as if you were with your friends. When you are out of college and are looking for ‘real work’ ditch the college clothing and style. A suit and tie is a must have, and if you don’t have the money for fancier duds, at least a dress shirt and nice pants. The standard rule of thumb is to dress as if you have the job you want, and even with the interview it’s a good piece of advice. Dressing one or two steps up from the position you are applying for wouldn’t hurt, and most offices dress codes can be found online.
Acting the part is almost as important as actually being there. Sure you are nervous, and talking to friends or family helps. Don’t however talk or text friends or family while waiting for an interview, or during the interview itself. It’s amazing how many will pull out their cell phones at any given time, a job interview is never the right time. Even after you get the job, avoid texting or chatting while you should be working, generally it is considered bad form.
When you are at work, act as if you are. Sure, it’s tempting to mentally clock out at times, and it is something everyone is prone to do occasionally. Take a small walk to a water cooler, or grab a quick snack to stay in the game.
Keep it all neat. No matter how much of a messy person you are normally, keep yourself looking neat and tidy. Keeping the area you work in neat and clean as well. If you company has communal kitchens, (or anything else for that matter) clean up after yourself.
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Tags: job, jobs, long term work, work, work now, working with others
