Hints for job-seekers of all ages

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    While checking through my usual stash of junk mail and useless Facebook updates last week, I caught a few keepers — including one I’ll share with you.
    The UMaine representative on the Maine Press Association Board of Directors, Jennifer Moore, posted a note asking for help compiling a list of helpful hints for prospective job-seekers. Basically, she’d like some ideas on “what to do/not to do for cover letters, resumes and interview behavior.”

    Well, Jennifer — I could write a book on that subject. But I’ll just give you the Cliff’s Notes version.
    Some of you are probably looking for work right now. Retailers often hire extra help for the holidays, so you may be in luck — at least temporarily.
    But surprisingly, some people who say they really, desperately need a job often make silly mistakes that turn off employers.
    So I sent a few ideas to Jennifer.
    First of all, make sure your resume is accurate.  Don’t fudge your experience level or length of stay at previous employers. They’ll find out eventually; and if you lied, you’re toast. Nobody is exempt from the wrath of a Google or Yahoo search.
    If you’re required to list references, rest assured they’ll be contacted, too. And if they say “Who?” or “I hardly know the person,” you can probably kiss that job goodbye.
    Run your resume through SpellCheck before you deliver it. It sounds silly, but many people forget to do it and wind up embarrassed when the interviewer picks out obvious errors.
    Dress to impress. If you’re applying for a job at a factory or hardware store, it’s not necessary to wear a jacket and tie or a $75 pair of designer jeans. But don’t show up like you’re on your way to a dump run, either. As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression.
    Show up on time for your interview. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Unfortunately, some people who have been out of the job market for a long time seem to forget that punctuality is important. If you’re going to be 10 or 15 minutes late, call the business and let them know.
    Speak clearly and make eye contact during the interview. Yes, you’re going to be nervous. If you’re not, you’re not human. But looking around the room or staring at the floor when responding to a question sends bad vibes. It could mean you’re not telling the truth or you wished you were somewhere else. And the interviewer can sense it.
    Finally, don’t be bummed out if you don’t get the job. There could be 25 candidates for one opening. Keep your hopes up and go knock on some more doors.
    I’ve held a variety of different jobs including factory worker, auto parts counterman and delivery driver.  So I know what it’s like to be unemployed as well as gainfully employed.
    And believe me, working is a lot more fun than staying home waiting for the phone to ring.
Mike Lange is a staff writer with the Piscataquis Observer. His opinions are his own and don’t necessarily reflect those of this newspaper.