These suggestions on how to present yourself when applying for a job may save disappointment for many applicants.
1. When seeking a position read the advertisements carefully and make sure that you have the qualifications asked for.
One or two years’ difference in the age stated does not mean you are unsuitable to apply but make sure that it is only one or two years. The number of people who lie about their ages when applying for a position is astonishing.
Often birth certificates have to be produced, as many firms have superannuation schemes for women, and a skilled interviewer is very quick to observe any discrepancies in years of employment from previous jobs.
Embarrassment
This may cause the applicant considerable embarrassment when she is forced to tell the truth, and often means loss of the job, as many bosses think “One lie leads to another.” Remember, honesty is always the best policy, so forget your vanity.
2. Dress carefully and conservatively.
A suit or tailored frock is usually the best bet, especially one that does not crease easily, and of course, stockings and gloves.
Beware of too much makeup. Teens make the mistake of thinking that the more makeup they apply the older they look, and the results are often disastrous!
A great many firms request that their young employees be natural and stipulate: “No beehives, scarves around hair, or uncombed locks, please!”
A little mild day perfume is acceptable, nothing too strong; a good deodorant is necessary, especially in the hot weather.
3. Above all, do not smoke when applying for a position, even though you may be offered a cigarette.
4. Ring early when answering an advertisement as often by 10 o’clock the personnel manager may have made the maximum number of appointments.
Be punctual, do not arrive late and hot and flustered, it creates the wrong impression. If the bus breaks down, or you are unavoidably delayed, have the courtesy to ring, explain, or cancel your appointment.
5. There are very few firms who take people solely on face value, so remember to have all the necessary information ready.
6. Record the dates and firms of your previous employment, the names of the persons to whom you were responsible, and their phone numbers. This shows thought and initiative and means you have nothing to hide.
Above all, tell the truth, and do not say you were with a firm two years when you were only there two weeks. You will soon be found out, because the personnel manager is likely to ring your previous employer.
7. If there is an application form to fill in, do so neatly and in your best handwriting, and if you do not understand something, ask.
8. It is just as important for you to find out about the position you have applied for as it is for the employer to know about you.
Accept a position only after you know the hours, the salary, salary reviews, your duties, to whom you are responsible, and something about the firm for which you are going to work. Then, and only then, accept the position, if it is what you want and will hold your interest.
Don’t ever accept a position because you are tired of looking. It is better to wait and get the right job than accept anything, and then leave in a short space of time. This builds up a record of changes and shows instability, making it harder for you to obtain subsequent positions.
Follow these points carefully and you will be sure to create a very good impression when seeking your next position.
Author bio: Natalia is a blogger from California who enjoys writing about Health & Life Improvement. She is very passionate about her work and devotes her time to to writing insightful articles for Life Tips such as How To Keep Your Job and The Best Self Defense Techniques for Women.
