What You Don’t Know May Keep You From Being Hired: Tips That Potential Employers May Not Share

Tailor the resume to fit the position. There are numerous sites that will assist applicants with resume development. It is useful for students to list their information in a format that includes skills, education, experience, honors, and extracurricular activities. Then copy and paste this information into a pre-formatted resume. This allows the applicant to develop and update chronological lists that can be tailored to fit specific positions.

Be aware of your cyberspace persona. Use Facebook and other sites as if your religious leader and grandparents were monitoring your information. Be aware of what friends and associates post about you as this information may find its way to a potential employer.

E-mail addresses should reflect your professionalism; therefore, “sexyvanilla,” “juicy”, and “bigpimp” should not be the e-mails addresses that are listed on resumes. References to religious affiliations, sororities, fraternities, or sexual orientation should not be a part of any professional e-mail. Create a separate e-mail for employment related matters so that private e-mail does not get confused with business e-mail.

Be sure that your voice mail message is short and leaves the caller with a positive impression. Voice messaging that includes profanity will not increase your employability. Remember that potential employers may not share your taste in music and could find your voice mail message offensive. A simple “You have reached 123-321-1234. Please leave a message after the tone” is sufficient.

Turn down the bass on the radio before you drive into the potential work site. Your sound system’s reputation should not reach the interview before you do.

Do not smoke before an interview. Employers sometimes make negative assumptions regarding smokers’ health.

Perfume and cologne should be worn sparingly, if at all, to an interview. Many workplaces employ persons with illnesses and chemical sensitivities that may be aggravated by scented products.

The ability to communicate effectively is an important skill. Subjectverb disagreements and the use of slang during an interview reduce the chance of employment. The use of words like “skrimp” rather than shrimp, “skrawberry” rather than strawberry, “axe” rather than ask demonstrates ineffective communication skills. “I like” enjoy math classes and “I am “like” a hard worker indicate “I like” may not be employable. It is better to have a period of silence as you gather your thoughts rather than peppering the silence with “duh, “ “um,” or “and.” Enroll in speech, communications, and other courses that require that you to write and to think. Take advantage of opportunities to speak in front of groups because practicing a skill will increase the skill.

Wear comfortable, professional attire to the interview. Too short, too tight, too loose, or too exposed attire will make you feel uncomfortable, and your discomfort will be evident. For men, professional attire is a dark suit, tie, shirt, socks, belt, and shoes. Women should wear a conservative suit or dress, shoes, and hose. Clothes should be cleaned and pressed. Body piercings and tattoos should be covered. Men should remove earrings and cover the hole with concealer; multiple earrings for women are discouraged.

Applicants should carry a portfolio or briefcase; they should have space to discreetly place a travel toothbrush or breath mints if lunch is part of the interview. Women should carry an extra pair of hose in the briefcase. Offensive breath and torn hose can sabotage an interview.

One common interview question is “Tell me something about yourself.” This question allows the interview to begin in a somewhat relaxed manner; however, this is a high stakes question. An interviewer can form an opinion about the candidate’s verbal skills and ability to give a brief focused response to a question. Personal information should always be employment related. Conversation about wedding plans, pregnancy, or number of children can wait until you are part of the organization.

Remember—Research the company as part of the interview preparation.

Arrive early for the interview.

Be courteous to each person that you meet.

Be confident. Each interview is a learning experience

Use these tips to create and maintain a favorable impression with potential employers.

Jacqueline W. Currie is the Director of the Student Development Center, Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Marcelyn Morrow is the former Personnel Manager of the Tuscaloosa, AL Symphony Orchestra.