Many jobs seldom advertised
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Job searching and interviewing can be tricky business. Here are answers to some common questions.
Question: What should I wear to an interview?
Answer: The last thing you want to be remembered for is what you wore. You can ask the recruiter at the time of the interview for the company dress code, but it is still an interview, and when in doubt, be conservative. The impression you should make is that you are to be taken seriously and are ready to go to work. Traditional professions, for example, law and finance, stick to the standard suits and ties.
Note: Avoid using fragrances or wearing lots of jewelry. Nothing should distract from the information you have to offer.
Question: When is it appropriate to provide references on the resume - during the interview or not until asked?
Answer: You do not need to put them on your resume. Wait until this information is requested and select your references strategically. References should be individuals who can vouch for your ability to do the job well. Former bosses don’t necessarily make the best references. Consider instructors, co-workers, clients and vendors.
Question: I am currently unemployed. How many hours a week should I be spending on my job search?
Answer: Job seekers should spend 35 hours a week on a full-time search; 15 hours a week on a part-time search. During this time you should be involved in a number of activities including researching companies you want to work for, networking, conducting letter-writing campaigns, meeting with recruiters or employment agencies, attending job fairs and responding to open positions advertised online or in the newspaper. Unfortunately, most job seekers focus on the last activity exclusively. An effective job hunting campaign requires that you use several strategies. Looking for a job should be a full-time pursuit and the more activities you are engaged in, the quicker you will get results.
Question: Why can’t I find a job when I have answered all the want ads and job postings?
Answer: At the very most, only about 15-20 percent of all available jobs are ever publicly advertised. The vast majority of job openings are part of the “hidden” job market. And the higher the position and salary, the less likely the position will be advertised at all. How can job-seekers discover these jobs? By networking. Join professional associations, attend meetings, and find avenues to meet and talk with people in the field in which you want a job.
Question: I have lost several job offers because the employer considered me to be “overqualified.” How can I convince them I really want the job even though I do have a lot of experience?
Answer: The term “overqualified” is really a code for some other issue. Usually the hiring manager is concerned the candidate will be too expensive to hire or will be dissatisfied with the job.
If it is a step down for you, tell them that you’ve realized that it’s the type of work you really enjoy. By acknowledging your experience and demonstrating the benefit it can bring to the company, you may by able to set aside unwarranted assumptions and move the interview to the next level.
Question: Is changing careers nearly impossible?
Answer: As the workplace continues to change and evolve, more and more people will change careers in their lifetimes, and many will change careers multiple times. It takes much effort to switch careers and may involve getting more education (or training), getting experience in the new career field, and focusing on how the skills you currently possess transfer to the new career field. Some critical activities include networking with people in the new field and reading trade magazines so that you make an impression as an insider who knows the subject matter and the people in the field.