Be the Job

You know how to know the job and look the job, but do you know how to be the job?  There are some aspects of behavior that are the same no matter what job you are looking for – you should be courteous, polite, prompt.  These are things that, regardless of the position you are applying for, will get you noticed in a positive way.  Here are some simple guidelines any job seeker can follow to stand out as a good employee.

• Make a list, follow up.  After every networking event you attend, make a list of everyone you met and follow up with them.  You should also do this for every job search milestone you reach.  When you get an interview, think of the people who helped you get there and thank them.  When you get hired, make a list of everyone who helped your job search and thank them.  People like to help and they like to know that their help was appreciated.
• It’s not what happens, it’s how you handle it.  Any difficulty can be overcome if you react to it well.  When you make a mistake, admit it and devise a plan to fix it. When you don’t get that interview you were hoping for, focus on any feedback you did get and work towards the next one.  When you don’t get the assignment you wanted, congratulate the person who did get it and offer to help.  Handle rejection gracefully, and you’ll be able to maintain your connections at the company and the hiring manager will be more likely to get back in touch if something in your area opens up.
• Follow all the rules of courtesy. It’s obvious, but true. You are building relationships – both before and after you get the job.  A little bit of courtesy goes a long way towards making that process easier.
• Practice, practice, practice. Practice everything you might need to get the job or for the job.  Practice networking, interviewing, shaking hands, communicating, listening, and anything else that might be important.

For your specific job, there are activities that you can do that will make you more attractive to employers. They are specific to your field and cannot be ignored. Make sure you are adding the right skills to your toolbox, even while unemployed.  Create opportunities for you to learn and grow in the downtime.  Some methods of doing this include:

• Keep a professional blog.
• Maintain a professional social media presence.
• Volunteer
• Freelance or intern
• Take a class

You now have a complete set of advice – know the job, look the job, and be the job.  Put it to good use!