Key Steps to a Successful Job Interview

Developing a logical process to manage the job search can be difficult because there is no standard way to handle every situation. Many people are unsure of whether or not to send a thank you letter or how aggressively they should follow up after their interview. What do I recommend? You should be polite and gracious, but still be prepared to do what you have to do!

After you've done some research and found an organization where your personal skills can make a positive impact, be assertive in making contact with the company. The best companies want the most talented individuals available and will be open to suggestions, given their own time and resource constraints. They may not, however, know about every avenue that may be available to them. Your ability to convince a potential employer of your potential benefits, therefore, will depend on your powers of persuasion.

Preparation and analysis are great places to start. Think of it as a blueprint. Are you aware of the skills and abilities you can offer them? Do you know everything that you might be able to contribute? Next, begin your research. Look for companies that will allow you to use your problem solving skills to their benefit and that offer some potential for job advancement. You should probably target your efforts toward the key decision-makers in each organization so they could benefit from your contributions. Sending a blind resume to a human resources department is not enough; instead, do some research on the company's website and send targeted inquiries to specific departments who may be able to use your skills. They may not have told their human resource departments what they need and thus would consider new ideas.

Be confident but courteous. Keep letters short and to the point. In fact, all communications, including emails and phone messages, should be brief and clear. Say what you mean without embellishment.

You should keep in mind, though, that it's about them and not you! Resumes and cover letters often tell potential employers exactly what the job seeker is looking for. They know that they should start by stating an objective for their job search, but they often fall back on general statements that could apply to any company and any job seeker, such as "to join a growing company" or "to use my skills." While these goals are admirable, think about it from the viewpoint of the poor person who has to review several hundred resumes for the same job, all of which begin with the same stated goal. (This gives you a good sense of your chances!)

So far, much of our emphasis has been on determining your plans and dreams. But don't end there! Your job search depends on moving forward from your goals to the potential employers' needs.

If a position does not either increase profits or save expenses, most organizations will not fund it. This applies to every rung of the corporate ladder. Know that every job within a for-profit company plays a role in the bottom line. In a non-profit company, its ability to maintain its funding, either through grants or donations, is of utmost importance. If your job requires you to perform a service, can you do it in a cost-efficient manner? Can you do your job in the most economical manner? Are you able to help improve the bottom line?

So what is the best way to show your potential to a new employer? List the acts and deeds you will contribute, as well as the benefits you offer to the employer. Never forget that it's about them and not you.

About the Author: Susan Reynolds is a senior partner at Newmarket Careers, a company with years of experience helping prospective employees find Santa Clarita employment. Using career counseling and resume writing assistance, Susan has helped many in the Los Angeles area find the Santa Clarita jobs they need with the paychecks they deserve. For more information about please visit http://www.newmarketcareers.com/