Have you recently gone on an interview, but you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager? Did you write that manager or recruiter a thank you note? I’m guessing you probably didn’t… Though it seems like an obvious next step after an interview, so many candidates do not take the time to say thank you. Hiring managers and recruiters, including myself, pay careful attention to who does and does not send a thank you note. In a way, it’s almost like a hidden interview to see if you will make that extra effort. Never really thought it was important? Well here are a few reasons why this is a crucial step to landing that dream job:

THANKS for reading!

Have you ever thought of doing something creative after the interview to improve your chances of landing that job?  There are so many ways to access client information over the internet, making it easier to contact the people that have interviewed you……but be warned, honor the interview process and protocol and drop the creativity. 

In the ‘old’ days, you typically sent a Thank You letter to the hiring manager after your interview.  While technology has changed dramatically over the course of time, the protocol has realistically remained the same.  I speak with hiring managers all the time and they are surprised at how many people do not send a simple “thank you” note after an interview.  Not surprisingly, some of these managers screen out the candidates that don’t send something.

 The big debate amongst interviewers today

It is very important that in a midst of a job search that all aspects of applying for a job are met.  Only sending out a resume for example, is just one aspect in a job search and is not always enough to be effectively recognized in a search for that right position. The following "tips" may help to assist you with your search and help to make sure that all the proper steps are taken to keep you on the right track.

1-   First Impressions:  Look, act and speak professional.  Even  if you are not face-to-face and it may be just on the phone.

2-   Follow Up: In addition to sending a resume, call periodically (once a month) to touch base and re-introduce yourself.

3-   Interviewing:  Always try a dry run to be sure you know where your interview is located, and you should always be at least 10 minutes early.

4-   Job Fairs:  Attend events that keep you updated on opportunities, and how you fit in to the job market.

5-   Keep Track : Keep a log of some sort, or a spreadsheet and enter any information from any job sites your see and all efforts you make in your job search.

6-   Meaningful Work: Examine yourself, your passions and interests to create a meaningful career for yourself.

7-   Say Thank You:  Always, always, always send a handwritten note or email conveying your appreciation and interest in your interview.

8-   Stay On Top Of The News:  Read and be aware of the latest business news and what is happening in your community.  Review the business section of the newspaper and look for contact information you could use.

9-   Your Resume:  Proofread, share your resume with someone and let them give you some feedback.

10- Don't Give Up:  Be persistent and stay confident in your talents.

Following these 10 "tips" will help you to stay focused and enable you to meet all the objectives professionally and personally.  These tips will ensure you have covered all your bases, and soon enough the right position will come along. Stay focused and stay positive!

Salary.com recently conducted a survey of ‘wasting time at work’ and surprisingly, they say we’re wasting less time at work. 

Believable? With more distractions than ever, is it possible that we are more productive and efficient at our jobs?

Social Media has infiltrated the workplace in such a way that employers have had to create Social Media policies for  Facebook and Twitter abuse.

One word for you…Linkedin. 

Are you on it?  You need to be. 

If you are on it, are you getting the most of your account that you do have?  You should be.

In this day and age, social media is huge!  And just because you may not be actively searching for a job at the moment doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be constantly networking.  Many times it isn’t until you actually need to find a new job that you realize you should have been networking all along.  It is simple to do and I promise will be beneficial to you in the future. 

On the other hand, if you need to find a job now, but haven’t been networking it’s never too late!  It is still worth setting up that profile.  Get out there and start connecting to people!

As a recruiter, we use Linkedin constantly to help us search out qualified candidates for the positions we have available.  If you aren’t on there, or you are not taking full advantage on your account you could be missing out on your next great opportunity.  It is free, simple to set up, and I promise it is WELL worth the effort! 

The following article gives a great synopsis on setting up an account and getting the most out of it.  You won’t regret taking the time to do it!

www.avangate.com/articles/using-Linkedin-125.htm