Tips for Looking Good on Paper and in Person

Landing a job is a complicated process, but it can be distilled into two important phases — looking good on paper and impressing the interviewer in person. All too often candidates find that they are strong in one area, and need work in another. In order to blow your interviewer away, you’ll need to bring your A game. Here are some tips to ensure that you shine in both areas.

Looking Good on Paper

Never forget that you are just one of many candidates for a single position. Handing in a generic cover letter and a generic resume simply will not cut it. You’ve got to personalize everything for each individual job. Make sure you include how your experience makes you the premier candidate for the opening and go into detail.

Your resume is your foot in the door. Make it a big foot! Take the time to craft a subject line that will help you stand out from the crowd and get you your interview.

Looking Good in Person

Great! You’ve made it this far and you wowed the hiring manager with your cover letter and your resume. It’s time to step up your game. Go into your interview dressed for success — it’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed (unless you are applying for a manual labor position, you should definitely dress up.)

Walk in with a positive attitude and keep in mind that your posture does matter. Everything about you should exude confidence and skill. This is particularly true if you are interviewing for a position that requires interaction with the public. Your interviewer will be gauging your people skills and how you come off.

Preparation is absolutely key. You don’t want to get caught off guard during your interview. Research the company, read through common interview questions and prepare yourself. While it may seem like overkill to do this for each position, this is the key to successfully landing the job you really want.

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