When you are conducting a job search, it’s important to know where to locate openings, but even more important is knowing how to act. The way you present yourself in writing, on the phone and in person will determine whether or not you get hired, so Waubonsee’s Career Services Department spends a lot of time helping job seekers learn the proper etiquette. Here is some advice that may help you land your next job.
Email: Email is a powerful communications tool and should be treated as such. When emailing a potential employer, remember to keep the tone professional, which means avoiding emoticons and Internet abbreviations, as well as checking your spelling and grammar before sending. Your professionalism should also extend to your email address, so if your current address doesn’t project a good image, set up a new account for job-search related correspondence.
Phone and Voicemail: Just as your email address needs to project a professional image, so too does your voicemail greeting. If the employer does call and schedule you for a preliminary phone interview, take it as seriously as you would a face-to-face meeting. Use a phone with a good connection in a quiet place. If you’re not contacted by the employer after you apply, you can call to follow up on your sent résumé, but do not call more than once unless you have been asked to do so. And if the job listing states “no calls,” follow the instructions.
Cell Phones: Do not bring your cell phone to an interview. If you must bring it, make sure it is turned off. If you forget to turn if off and it rings during your interview, do not answer it.
Face-to-Face Interviews: Before the interview, research the company a bit so that you’ll have questions to ask; this demonstrates your interest in joining their team. On the day of the interview, be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and dress appropriately; wearing a suit is recommended. When you meet your interviewer or other staff members, be sure to address them as Mr. Mrs. or Ms. until you are asked to call them by their first name. After the interview, be sure to send a thank you letter within 24 hours.
Job interviews are never easy, but practice can help make you more comfortable and confident. Our Career Services Office offers mock interviews, so be sure to contact us for an appointment.
Of course, even better than mock interviews are real interviews and interactions with potential employers, so we encourage you to join us for our annual Spring Job/Internship Fair on Friday, April 11, at the Sugar Grove Campus. If you need help polishing your résumé or need more tips on how to make the most of the fair, visit our website at www.waubonsee.edu/careerservices or give us a call at (630) 466-7900, ext. 2368.
Teri Cullen is the Career Services Manager at Waubonsee.
