1. How are you looking for a job?
The great majority, about 85%, of people hired, are actually hired through personal contacts who know someone in the company and not through ads. A personal recommendation from someone already on the staff who knows a suitable candidate will usually do the trick. So spread yourself around and keep in touch with all your contacts. One of them may be in the right position to recommend you when a vacancy comes up.
2. Is your job toolbox up to date?
Your job toolbox should contain the latest updated version of your CV which in turn should contain everything that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Your CV should also be up to date in its presentation and appearance. Do not apply for a hi-tech job with a greasy old CV written 20 years ago. Make a new one if necessary. There are many sites on the internet that offer free advice and help.
You toolbox should also contain an updated list of your contacts in the companies which work in your field.
3. Check up on your attitude
Do you arrive at interviews determined to win and get the job or do you shuffle in feeling negative and not sure why you are there at all? Be positive. Feel good about yourself. Deliver a firm handshake. Be confident. Smile. If you have some bad lines on your CV, rehearse your story about them and put it across well. Come armed with good letters of recommendation and a list of your work experience.
4. Be articulate
Express yourself concisely and clearly. Don’t stammer your way through interviews. Try and communicate well and express your thoughts clearly.
5. Look good
Come well dressed and looking good. Make sure all your clothes are clean, that your hair has been cut and that you are shaven. Wear a tie. Do not arrive at your interview in jeans and a tee shirt.
6. Are you up to date?
Are you carrying the latest certifications? Have you passed the latest courses? Is your technical knowledge up to speed? Try and talk to someone in the company before applying and find out what systems they use. Take a quick refresher if you can and if it’s necessary. It might be as simple as upgrading your computer skills.
7 Be passionate about work.
Chase after jobs when you hear about them. They will not come to you. Be relentless in your search. Don’t give up.
8 Downgrade the internet
Stop spending valuable time searching on the internet. You only have a 6% chance of getting hired through a blind ad.
9 Show respect
Show that you have a sense of respect when you are at the interview. Edit your cover letter and resume and make sure they are addressed correctly and easy to read. Spell the company’s name correctly and if there are any names in the letter, make sure they are spelled correctly.