Job Hunt Musts - Featured In Pulse Niagara Weekly

Sunday, April 27th 2008

Nobody’s perfect, but it’s hard not to be by following these key job hunt–and–prep tips from the chic dynamo of an image consultant, Christie Ressel of Personal Power Image Consulting (pictured left, and available at PersonalPowerImage.com).

1) Uh… I’m sorry…
You were saying? Failing to prep for an interview is a cardinal rule that should never — under zero circumstances — be broken. “Preparing for the interview (is rule number one),” says Ressel. “Research the organization (as well as the job sector, skill sets and responsibilities advertised) so you can demonstrate interest and awareness. So many people go to an interview unprepared, and it's embarrassing not to be able to answer questions you should be able to answer.”

2) Late for a very important date!
“A lot of people are often late or walk in at the precise time (the interview is scheduled for),” tisks Ressel. “In order to look better prepared, arrive at least ten minutes early. It will also give you the opportunity to take in your surroundings.”

3) Start from the… well, start.
“Be kind and introduce yourself to the receptionist, if there is one,” Ressel hints on an often dismissed tidbit. “You want to make a good impression on everyone.”

4) Showtime!
Ressel says that maintaining strong eye contact, smiling, and have a firm (but not bone breaking) handshake are tools of the trade that will translate well in every job sector. “There is nothing worse than a soggy handshake. And always remember people's names.”

5) Be observant.
Not enough people are considerate of their surroundings, suggests Ressel. Sit down only after you have been invited to do so, and take note of their behaviour, modifying your own accordingly.

6) Ahem… I have something to say!
“Elaborate in your answers so you look well informed, but make sure to only share information that is relevant to the question,” shares Ressel on surviving the tough questions during the interview. Nervous or not, over–talking can be a real deal breaker for many employers looking to hire as it confuses and detracts from the issue at hand.

7) Cordial is as cordial does.
“Avoid making negative comments about former employers or co–workers,” Ressel warns on the tempting middle conversation ground of gossip. “It ends up making you look silly and will leave your new potential employer wondering if you would do the same to them.”

8) Be transparent.
It’s important to show enthusiasm for the position and pride for wanting to be a part of their team, says Ressel.

9) No slip ups!
Have gender awareness, and don’t make any comments that sway too far politically, religiously or towards controversial subject matter that could leave talks tense.

10) And here comes the follow through!
“Send a thank–you letter to the interviewer,” Ressel sums up. In terms of getting the job and leaving a positive, polite lasting impression, “it can make all the difference!” P

[TAMARA HOLMES]

 

 

*Toronto based image consulting