5 Classic job hunting tips that never went out of style

I decided to take a detour on my blogging adventure to write about a topic that is relevant for far too many Americans these days, many of which are friends and family, job hunting. This topic is not directly related to my previous articles but since it involves income and a persons ability to save, invest and support a family, I think it isn't too far off topic.

Over the course of my career I have had the opportunity to take part in dozens of interviews, both as an interviewer and an interviewee. I have noticed a significant change over the past decade in the observance of common customs and courtesies surrounding the interview process.

I think during the boom times when unemployment was at 5% or lower, job seekers became complacent. It was easy too become a passive job seeker. The Internet provided an easy way to apply to position or simply post a profile with a resume and let recruiters and employers find you. Common customs and courtesies seemed to have eroded because separating yourself from the pack wasn't a requirement anymore. Those times have come and gone and they may not be back any time soon. Unemployment is still near 9% years after the worst of the financial crisis and job growth has been slow. There are more college graduates flooding the talent pool each semester and experienced and educated people have been laid off and are willing to accept lower tier positions that they may not have considered in the past.

Here is a list of 5 classic interview tips that are still relevant and maybe more so now than ever.

Dress the part (even at a job fair)

I've been to job fairs in which 30% of the job seekers are decked out in their very finest flip flops and t-shirts. If you want an interview, DRESS LIKE IT!! While clothes don't make the man, they do say something about the amount of effort you put into your job search and that may correlate to your work performance. Employers don't have the time to get to know you. They have to rely on superficial evidence to weed out candidates. Don't give them a reason to doubt your considerable desire to work for them.

Smile

I have been on both sides of the desk at interviews and let me tell you, it is OK to smile. In fact, it is more than OK. Interviews are generally a high pressure situation.  Smiling makes you appear comfortable, calm under pressure, approachable and friendly. Moreover, you may find that it actually boosts your confidence. Interviews needn't be clinical and serious. A well written resume illustrates your experience and expertise but can't effectively communicate your personality, social aptitude and enthusiasm. That is what the interview is for and a smile is a great start.

Customize your resume

Employers want to think that you only have eyes for them. You wouldn't recycle a love letter from an ex-girlfriend with your new lady love, right? Guys.....right? If you are struggling to answer, let me help you. Of course you wouldn't. Don't do it with employers either. Ensure that your resume matches the job description, skills and experience requirements as closely as possible without exaggeration or falsehood.

Effort is important. Taking the time to customize a resume is a way to show the employer that you are willing to go the extra mile.

Be prepared

If you get called in for an interview be prepared. Bring copies of your resume  (I recommend at least 4), recommendation letters (no more than two) and past performance reviews. I have gotten a lot of positive feedback on my "candidate packet". I take a standard navy blue folder, staple a cover sheet on the front that lists the position title, requisition number, company name (and logo if you can find one online), my name and the date and time of the interview. On the inside (left pocket) I provide an index. In the right pocket I provide a copy of my resume, a recommendation letter, a customer feedback letter and 3 years worth of performance reviews.

Remeber, effort is important. This will take you 10 minutes to create but can leave a lasting impression. It shows you are thoughtful, organized and willing to work for what you want.

Write a thank you letter (maybe two)

Within 3 business days of your interview be sure to send a thank you letter to everyone that participated in the interview. Thank them for their time and consideration and remind them why you want the job. This is your last chance to make an impression so if you walked out of the interview and thought about things you should have said, now is your chance.

If you find out later that you did not get the job I recommend writing a second letter to the hiring manager. Again you should thank them for their time but also solicit feedback. Reiterate your desire to participate in this particular line of work. Ask for any feedbacks or notes from the interview the hiring manager may have and is willing to share. Ask if the hiring manager would recommend a particular experience, training or education to pursue that will better prepare you for future interviews. In my experience, only 1 in 10 hiring managers will provide feedback but that feedback is nearly always invaluable and can be the first step to establish a lasting business relationship. You may not have been selected for this job but your persistance may be rewarded with a future opportunity working for the same employer.