So you’re having trouble landing that dream job. You’ve tried everything but nothing works. In these tough economic times, it’s harder than ever to find the ideal job let alone any job. Here are a few helpful hints and tips that can set you apart from the rest of the blood-thirsty job hunters competing with you.

Be Original

Obvious but effective. Set yourself apart from the possibly hundreds or thousands of hopeful candidates you’re vying against.

  • Spice up your resume with eye-catching words and creativity. Don’t go too crazy. There is a difference between creative and ridiculous. Use a thicker cardstock or off-white paper if you’re handing a potential employer a hard copy of your resume.

  • Dress moderately with a bold accent. I.E., A gray or black suit with a striking tie, or a white blouse with an understated yet unique broach.

  • Tell a story in your interview. Employers want to know YOU, not a mindless drone that could work for them. Passionately and professionally tell a story of success of yours, but keep it relative and clean.

A New Name For Everything

Interview after interview of candidates saying how they “work diligently” and are a “team player,” interviewers can get bored. Not that these facts about yourself aren’t important, just figure out a way to say them differently. A good way to do this is to demonstrate HOW you are a team player and diligent worker through a story or previous job experiences.

Be Succinct

Know what your point is and make it. Don’t babble.

Get Interested

Employers don’t want to interview someone that isn’t interested in their company. Do a web search and find out all you can about the company. In the interview, ask questions. Some essential ones are:

  • Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position?

  • What is the top priority of the person who accepts this job?

  • What are the day-to-day expectations and responsibilities of this job?

  • How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured? And by whom? How often?

  • Can you describe the company's management style?

  • Can you discuss your take on the company's corporate culture?

  • What are the company's values?

  • How would you characterize the management philosophy of this organization? Of your department?

  • What is the organization's policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices?

  • Are lateral or rotational job moves available?

  • Does the organization support ongoing training and education for employees to stay current in their fields?

  • What do you think is the greatest opportunity facing the organization in the near future? The biggest threat?

  • Why did you come to work here? What keeps you here?

  • How is this department perceived within the organization?

  • Is there a formal process for advancement within the organization?

  • What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organization?

Follow Up

This is possibly the most important thing a potential candidate can do to get the job they’re applying for. After an interview, immediately send a Thank You letter expressing your gratitude for the time they spent talking with you. After that, go even further with a follow-up phone call a few days later. Be persistent but not annoying.

While we can’t promise you’ll get the job, following these simple and effective tips will definitely increase your chances!

Good luck from your friends at WSi Healthcare!