Applying for a job? A few important tips.

Before I shifted tracks to live my dream as a homesteader, I was 'Director of Marketing & Logistics' for an energetic and rapidly growing Communications company. In my 15 years with this company I made a lot of hiring decisions. I was brought back into my former hiring mindset when helping my son to prepare for his career searches this year. It was easy to see that competition is more fierce than ever! This means that you really need to get everything right when it comes to both applying for and attending an interview. Here are some important tips to follow when applying for a job.

Dear potential applicant,

The advertisement that you are responding to was a well thought out carefully crafted effort to attract the perfect candidates. You see, hiring someone new, changes a company. Your presence will change things, hopefully for the good. Its important to us that we can find someone that will fit well. If you are serious about wanting to work for me (or any good company), I suggest you follow some very simple rules.

• Do not just send out mass resumes to random jobs, especially those that you have no qualifications, ambition or interest in taking. You are wasting my time and yours. The amount of effort your put into your job search is likely what you will get out of it.

• Prepare a cover letter. It's important. It gives us a window into who you are and can set you apart from the rest. Your cover letter should be tailored for the job you are applying for. DO NOT send a generic cover letter or one that is addressed to another company. This is simply rude.

• Spell check and get someone to proof read for you. Spell check again. Your documents should be PERFECT.

• Do your homework. Learn as much about the company as you can. Study up before your interview.

• When you use words like "exceptional" and "superior", be prepared to demonstrate this. Never outright lie. You will get caught at some point.

• Send your resume in PDF format. Its guarantees I will be able to open it hassle free.

• Show up for your interview five minutes early. Don't be late. Don't cancel last minute and most of all do not be a no show. It will be remembered. You wont get a second chance.

• TURN OFF YOUR PHONE! If it so much as hums during the interview, you're TOAST!

• Dress nicely. I should not have to say it but clean, pressed clothes are a must. Also, don't come smelling like a brewery and never joke about being hung over. Seriously.

• Be comfortable during your interview but never slouch in your chair.

• Listen carefully to the questions, be honest if you don't understand the question. If you need a moment to think, say so.

• Let the interviewer speak. NEVER interrupt the interviewer when they are speaking.

• Do not bad mouth former employers - ever. You may think slandering a competitive organization will impress but really it just shows us you are disloyal.

• Feel free to send a thank you follow up email but don't harass or get pushy. It won't help and it could hurt your chances. Impatience and arrogance are not good virtues to demonstrate to a potential employer.

• If you are asked how much you expect to be paid, it can be tricky if you aren't prepared. Spend time doing research on what this job at your level of experience should earn.

Remember that hiring is a big decision for a company and is something that managers often agonize over. It's also tedious. With piles and piles of resumes to read over, often it takes very little for a resume to fall into the "no" category. Give it some thought. What is unique about you? What are your special qualities? What makes you right for this role? Why should we hire you? You do have unique and special qualities. Don't be embarrassed to talk about them.

With some careful thought, research and a well crafted cover letter, you'll increase your chances of getting that interview.

Good Luck,

Charlotte