No one likes to weed. I know it’s not my favorite thing to do. (Okay, so a few of you do; but for the vast majority of us it’s something on our delay until later list.) But much like a garden, your job search can get overrun with “weeds” that can choke the life out of your search. This can be especially true if you have been working your search for a period of time. It’s important that you just don’t go at it with a bottle of Roundup®; but carefully look at each area and decide what needs to be pulled so new growth can be given an opportunity to thrive.

Your Search Methods
Are they working for ya? Every good job search is comprised of many methods. Job boards on the Internet are a fantastic tool, but not the only one. Career fairs, association meetings, social media, networking events, and industry conferences are great ways to get out, get known, and get going! Be sure to do at least one positive thing for your job search daily!

Your Resume
Take a careful look at your resume. It should be up to date and accurate. Your resume’s focus needs to truly reflect your career goals. Check for key words and terminology—are there any terms or phrases that are outdated or newer concepts that need to be added? It’s an idea to read through current job openings and posting to get a feel for what is trending in your career field.

Your References
Approach this one strategically. You want references who can speak positively of your accomplishments, skills, work ethic and future contributions to a company. Past supervisors, co-workers and business acquaintances can be potential references in addition to personal friends.  Also, it’s not out of line to have different sets of references depending upon the industry or position. Be sure to ask for permission in advance before putting someone on your reference list.

Your Appearance
By all means, don’t go out and buy a new wardrobe (although my wife would beg to differ), but do go through your closet and make sure you have something appropriate and in good condition to wear to interviews and professional networking events. Conservative suits for both men and women are a must have. Make sure that any non-traditional piercings or body art are easily removed or covered. No extreme hairstyles or strong fragrances. Also remember to smile and be upbeat. You only get one chance to make a good first impression.

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at http://ccubedcareer.com.

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Most people agree that the hardest part of the job search is the interviewing process. Sometimes it may feel like you’re being grilled under a hot light by Detective Jones of the Major Crimes Division; but by turning the tables and asking some essential questions of your own, you can engage the interviewer in conversation and address any unspoken concerns that they may have about you. But wait! There’s more! By asking questions of your own, you will be able to gather additional information that you need to evaluate the suitability of a position for you!

You don’t need to wait until the end of the interview; ask your questions throughout the interview as they fit into the flow of the conversation.  Focus your questions on the position at hand—leave any salary and benefits questions you may have for a later time.

Here are a seven sample questions to consider:

• What are the main responsibilities of the position?
• Can you review the history of this position?
• What are some of the biggest challenges I might encounter?
• What do you think I need to accomplish to be successful in this position?
• What are you personally looking for in the successful candidate?
• Am I sharing the kind of information you need to make an effective evaluation?
• Do you have any concerns regarding my abilities to get the results that YOU want?

Use these questions as a guide. In the course of the interview, you may come up with a few of your own that are relevant to the position. Remember, if the interviewer does express a concern, address it and reassure them as to why you are the best person for the job!

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at http://ccubedcareer.com.

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He’s abrasive, potty-mouthed and arrogant, but he’s also tremendously successful. His shows are angst-filled, f-bomb dropping, train-wrecks waiting to happen—otherwise known as Reality TV that we love to watch.

But also in a warped way, they are mini job interviews for the contestants involved.

Now hopefully the next hiring manager you come across will not be quite as volatile as Chef Ramsay, but you can take some clues from him as to what the hiring manager will be looking for.

Be passionate.  Focused passion is contagious. There is nothing better that getting the hiring manager engaged in your vision and passion for the job at hand. Now is not the time to talk about your vision for world peace, but to share with him your ideas for solving his concerns.

Be confident.  If you know what you’re doing, then show it to the hiring manager, but don’t be conceited about it. Being  wishy-washy won’t cut it either.  Having confidence in your skills and abilities will go a long way in making the hiring manager comfortable in hiring you. 

Be truthful.  If you don’t know what you’re doing or make a mistake, admit it. Don’t try to cover it up or place the blame elsewhere, it will just make matters worse and make you look bad. Besides, a good hiring manager will know when you’re bluffing.

Be teachable.  See “Be Truthful” above. Be willing to learn new things and—most importantly—be willing to learn from your mistakes.

Don’t argue with the Chef.  Repeat after me, “Do not argue with the hiring manager.” He could be wrong about something, but he’s also the one with your fate with that company in his hands—which in the end makes him right. The interview is not the venue for a debate. After the interview is the time to mentally go back and decided whether you can agree to disagree or decide that a particular workplace is not going to be a fit. Don’t allow the hiring manager to make that decision for you.

Be appreciative.  Be sincere in your thanks for the opportunity to interview. Even if you’re not their first choice, you never know when or where a new prospect will pop up.

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at http://ccubedcareer.com.

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