DO’s and DON’Ts of the application process

DO’s and DON’Ts of the application process

Once you submit or post your resume, you are essentially under the microscope. Below are some tips that can give you the edge when being considered for an outstanding career opportunity.   Having interviewed thousands of candidates I can state with complete confidence that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. 

1.      Clean up your social media profiles.

I can assure you that most employers are going to check you out. They are going to snoop. They are going to look at your photos, your posts, your arguments, your sappiness, your likes and dislikes, dog lover, cat lover, your choice of friends, your politics, the TIME you spend on social media.. (If you post throughout the day, it’s a strong indication you are more focused on SM than your position.)

2.      Enthusiasm at all times

Once your resume is out there….Answer EVERY SINGLE CALL with a tone that suggested professionalism and enthusiasm…. And a degree of anticipation. 

I get that many calls you receive come from blocked numbers or unknown callers. SO WHAT!!! Your potential employer starts as an unknown, too! And the tone and manner in which you answer your phone is going to speak volumes. It will either attract or repel.  And if you can’t answer for some reason, make sure your voice mail is upbeat, succinct and PLEASE… STATE YOUR NAME in the voice mail message. There is nothing worse than wondering if I’ve dialed the wrong number by mistake. And make sure it’s smooth. No um’s….

3.      If you aren’t 15 minutes early, you are late

15 minutes early most likely means you are going to have to wait. YOU WANT THIS! This will give you time to compose yourself, review the environment, interact with the receptionist, (and others) observe a snippet of the goings-on and form your own opinion. And face it… how you feel matters too. In a split second, you are going to know if the employees are happy, if the environment is positive and there is pride and comradery among the staff. And if you are greeted with enthusiasm and respect you will know that others who enter this workplace are treated the same way. A reflection of the attitude of the entire office. 

Coming 15 minutes early says to me that you respect the opportunity, that you respect my time and that you are taking this interview seriously. Finally, you are demonstrating that you know how to manage time and the interview. 

4.      Have a SPRING IN YOUR STEP

You have to realize that I am as excited to meet you as I hope you are to meet me. I am anticipating your arrival and I am taking inventory of everything I see. My office happens to overlook the parking lot. If you walk toward the front door with a lazy shuffle and your head hung low… it sends a clear signal that you are less than excited about meeting me as well as this opportunity.  

5.      The Hand Shake 

a.      Unless you are royalty, don’t offer a limp hand.

b.     And squeezing my hand like you’re trying to make it “pop” is not going to impress me. 

c.      And don’t make a sandwich. Like Captain Marko Ramius said…. Give me a hand, Vasily. One hand only, please.

6.      Don’t Come Empty Handed

a.      A portfolio is ideal. 

b.     And in it bring a copy of your resume (Don’t assume I have a copy handy).

c.      A writing tablet. This shows you are prepared for anything.  I’ve been known to give outstanding candidates a homework assignment. 

7.      Don’t Smoke On The Way To The Interview.

I know it seems crazy… but I have watched candidates who have blown that last, lovely and fragrant drag into the foyer of my office as they pass through the door. When this happened, I simply cancelled the interview. 

8.      Come Alone

As a father I know that family comes first. And I am sympathetic to a mom or dad who has to bring their child due to unforeseen last minute issues. If it becomes too chaotic, I will gladly reschedule.  On the other hand… DO NOT bring your husband, wife or significant other to the FIRST meeting; and in subsequent interviews, never without permission.  I understand that career decisions should be a family affair, but don’t turn an interview into a sales pitch or a workshop!

9.      Fragrance

Perhaps a pet peeve… but I don’t think all 5 senses need to be a part of an interview. Overpowering perfume or cologne is a total distraction and can be a huge negative. (See #7) If it takes two days to air-out my office when the interview is over then I’m probably not going to schedule a second.

10.   Resumes and Typos      

While this is not necessarily the “kiss of death”… your resume should not exceed 2 pages and 1 page is best. And since resumes are short by their very nature you should pay very close attention to; 

A.     Content organization: I want to easily find your email and cell phone number, on top, first page. Then make the content easy to understand in an attractive format. Don’t be cute with colors, graphics, etc. They cloud the message which is YOU.

B.     Succinctness: Short and sweet. We can discuss details over the phone or the interview. But highlight critical skills.

C.     Typos: While a candidate may have never been told this… most employers are grading your resume as if it were an assignment.  When you are in the hunt for a new career, let multiple people screen the final product for errors.