Companies these days are not looking for just anyone. They don't have open positions desperate for anyone to fill them. They are looking for the right person.
Think of the person you'll interview with as a date. You'll want to put your best foot forward while still being the authentic you. Talking to that initial person on the phone or email is the time to see if you're interested in "the whole package". Does she want to get married? Does she just want a fun playmate? Is she going to waste your time?
If you get a good feeling about your company-to-be then set up a date! Google that person's name (In this case the company). If your ethics and code of conduct match with the company than go on that date! If not, have the character to call and say I just don't think we're going to be a match.
Now, if you go on the date remember--best foot forward. Take a look at the list below to help on how to impress your date (soon-to-be-company).
- Know a little about that person (company). ("Wow! You took the time to Google me? You must be interested.")
- Tell them why you think you'd be a good fit. ("Yes! I did Google you and I think I can improve on your marketing strategy! Did you know your Google listing was 12th? I can improve that!)
- Get more information while you are there. In other words have a conversation, don't make the interviewer go through a list of 20 questions. This makes you look like you don't have a brain. When an ad says "Good communication skills" and "Outgoing personality" it means the interviewer want to see energy pouring forth and the capability to be receptive. If people feel you understand them they tend to think your special! ("My favorite quote is 'The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man' -- Winston Churchill had some great ones didn't he? So, what's your company's goals or mission statement?")
When the ad says "college degree preferred" the company is asking "do you have staying power?" If you've been working at the same place for five years, and the company before that gave you a tenure pen; you have staying power--you don't need to worry. But you might need a college degree if the last three places were six month stints. They need something to prove that you can see a project to completion and not run at the first sign of hard work. When an employer is looking for someone long-term they only have a first impression and then sometimes a second interview to make that "I do" commitment.
Employers are looking at employees as a relationship in which they can only hope is interdependent. Nobody wants a clingy girlfriend or a controlling boyfriend. It's a relationship where any one of the party can leave at any time. But why would you waste time "going out" with just anyone? Sure there are seasonal hires and you know it's just a fling. But remember those points above when looking for the real deal. You could learn a lot and find the right place if you think about your next employer as you would looking for someone to date. But don't be too picky! Sometimes you just need food on the table in which case seasonal might not look so bad!
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