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Whether you are looking for a new career, are a newly minted graduate in search of that first post college job or are unemployed and simply in search of any work, following the tips given here can help you to land that job.

Check your resume for mistakes

Before handing over your resume to prospective employers, look it over at least three times to ensure no corrections are needed. After considering the position you are trying to secure, you should tailor your resume to meet the needs of the company. For instance, if you are trying to get an accounting position, then your accounting experience should be highlighted on your resume. Remember that grammar mistakes, spelling errors and typos should all be fixe and that your resume should be no longer than one and a half pages.

Tackling the interview challenge

A study done by a California staffing and consulting firm of 1,400 CFOs found that there was broad agreement on the common mistakes made by job seekers. The most common were arriving late for an interview, being uninformed about the company (or worse yet, the position applied for) and arrogant behavior in the interview process. Remember the importance of body language in interviews - a firm handshake, avoiding defensive postures like crossing your arms, making good eye contact and showing some (but not too much) confidence are all important. Your clothes are also important; better overdressed than underdressed.

Answer questions smartly

If you are nervous, it can make you perform badly in an interview. Some even forget the questions they are asked due to this nervousness. You can stop this from being a problem by being well prepared for the interview. Be sure to research the company and the position you are applying for thoroughly and remember that it’s better to admit that you don’t know the answer to a question than to give a poor answer. Tell the interviewer that you will get back to them with an answer. Make a point of playing up the skills which the advertisement mentions as being needed for the position.

Getting the necessary referrals

A referral from a current employee is one of the best ways to ensure that you are asked in for an interview. Companies receive hundreds of resumes when they advertise a position; but as many as 60% of these vacancies are filled through referrals by employees. If you don’t know anyone who works at the company ask around - someone you know may. If you are referred by a current employee, it greatly increases your odds of being hired.

Online application

More and more companies have started requiring job seekers to send applications and resumes online. The first impression is now conveyed by your initial email rather than a personal appearance. Your email should be as polished and articulate as any business letter. When applying online for a position, follow these tips:

Complete your sentences and do not use abbreviations.

If your email is too casual, this will more likely than not cause your resume to be passed by. Keep the tone professional, even if your communication with the prospective employer is by email.

Get directly to the point

Be straightforward and get to the point. Don’t add literary flourishes to get the employer’s attention; instead just say exactly what you want.

Landing that dream job can be tough but don’t give up. It’s better to wait a while and get a job you really want rather than to grab the first job which comes along and end up unhappy. Make the right decision about your career - then act.

Filed under: Self Improvement