It's no secret that most job hunters are initially overwhelmed by the prospect of finding a new position. The rules are changing so quickly that the job market hardly resembles what it was just five years ago. With a growing maze of career advice to navigate, most candidates today have questions about the best ways to find--and land--the perfect position. What follows are questions that arise most often, as well as some answers.
How can you tell whether your job targets are realistic?
The only way to know for certain is to complete the basic steps of your job search and see how far you get. If you run into a brick wall early on--that is, you have absolutely no luck uncovering leads through networking, answering classified ads or contacting recruiters--it's a safe bet that your personal goals are out of sync with the realities of the marketplace. In this case, you may have to scale back or rethink your targets.
What's the best way to approach a company you'd like to work for that hasn't advertised any job openings?
Try to network your way in by finding someone you know--and maybe someone they know--who works for the company and can arrange an introduction. The person you're introduced to, incidentally, doesn't have to be in the department you ultimately want to work in. All you're looking for is a name you can use to make a connection to the right person.
After you get a name, write a concise note that spells out what you think you can offer, then follow up with a phone call. To increase your chances of gaining a meeting, don't ask about a job. Instead, ask if you can meet to gather information about industry trends and emerging opportunities.
Is there anything I can do to make my resume stand out from the rest?
Apart from making sure that it looks neat and professional, there isn't much you can do cosmetically to differentiate your resume from everyone else's. Using unusual typefaces or a paper color other than white makes your resume look different, but it could knock you out of the running, especially if the company uses a resume-scanning system that requires clean, easy-to-read samples.
Sometimes, your method of delivery, such as by using overnight mail or fax, can draw attention. These approaches are worth considering, but only if your credentials are excellent and the competition is stiff. Remember, the most important step is to spell out as high up as possible in your resume the specific accomplishments or skills that qualify you for the position you're pursuing.
What's the most common mistake job hunters make when writing a resume?
Candidates often fill their resumes with laundry lists of functions and responsibilities that they've held in past jobs, but this approach rarely pays off. Your resume should cite only specific accomplishments that made a difference at past employers. You can never assume that because you had a particular responsibility or performed a particular task, the person reading your resume will automatically think you can make a significant contribution.
A second common mistake is not being specific enough when describing your skills. Mentioning "computer skills," for instance, isn't enough. Resume-scanning software is designed to search for specific programs with which you're familiar.
What's the best way to build a network of contacts?
There's no "best" way. What's important is using every available source: family, friends, business associates, former classmates, association affiliations and so on. You have to be visible and put yourself into situations--volunteer work or temporary assignments, for example--in which you have an opportunity to meet new people.
When you get these opportunities, make the most of them. Introduce yourself, let people know what you're looking for and ask if you may call them again for help. You'll be amazed by how willing other people are to help when you're sincere and considerate of their time.
What are the benefits of accepting a temporary job while looking for full-time work?
There are many, since more temporary assignments are being offered to middle- and senior-level professionals. Temping not only gives you a way to ease the financial pressures of being out of work, but it also offers a chance to network, develop new skills and convert an assignment into a full-time position. The downside is that you have to be prepared to handle most of your job-search activities after working hours.
What's the single most important advice to remember when interviewing?
Always put yourself in the shoes of the person conducting the interview. Keep in mind that person's agenda: to determine whether you have the skills, personal attributes and motivation to succeed in the job. What you're ultimately "selling" during an interview are those elements of your background, skills and personality that can make a significant contribution to the company.
How truthful should you be when answering interview questions?
As truthful as possible, without going out of your way to volunteer information that could work against you. A lot depends, too, on the type of question you're being asked. It's one thing to make an overstatement when offering an opinion on your ability to handle a particular kind of assignment: "I think I could handle that problem very well." However, misrepresenting specific, verifiable facts about your background is another thing altogether.
Even small misrepresentations can cost you dearly, casting doubt on everything else you've said during the interview and on your resume. If you're caught in a lie, you'll immediately be eliminated from consideration (or fired if the lie is discovered after you're hired).
What's the best way to respond if an interviewer is treating you unfairly or disrespectfully?
First, try to determine if the interviewer's behavior is deliberately designed to put you under pressure--a test of sorts to see how you'll respond to pressure if you're hired. This doesn't happen often, but it's possible if your ability to keep cool under pressure is a key qualification for the job.
If you're interviewing with someone who's genuinely nasty, it doesn't pay to make a scene, unless the abuse becomes blatant (which rarely happens). Stay poised and professional, and thank your lucky stars that you won't have to deal with that person ever again once the interview is over.
How do you overcome the "We-think-you're-overqualified" objection?
An interviewer who says you're overqualified is voicing at least one of three concerns:
1) Whether you're truly interested in the job,
2) Whether you'll be motivated to do your best, and
3) If you'll be satisfied with a salary that's probably lower than you're accustomed to receiving.
Rather than argue about qualifications, address the person's concerns. Give reasons why you're enthusiastic, motivated and unfazed by the salary drop. Stress that the company is getting added value--more for its money--by hiring you.
Finding a job these days can be a challenge. By reassessing your search tactics frequently and making adjustments as necessary, you'll stay on top of openings and the competition.
Mr. Messmer is chairman and CEO of Menlo Park, Calif.-based Robert Half International Inc., the world's largest specialized staffing firm, and author of "Job Hunting for Dummies" (1995, IDG Books Worldwide), from which this article is adapted.
