Proper preparation key in searching for new job

Question: Your company holds three job fairs a year at the Blaisdell. Since you always hear the phrase “dress for success,” what is the proper attire to wear to a job fair, and would it be any different from what one would wear to a job interview at a company?

Answer: As with an interview, you should always dress one “level” up from the job you’re hoping to get. If you’ll be working in an office in an aloha shirt, you should put on a tie for the interview or job fair. If your potential position has you working in a T-shirt, wear an aloha shirt to the interview. One of the biggest mistakes I see job seekers make is not taking the job fair seriously enough. They come dressed very casually, thinking they’ll just “look around.” They’re passing up a great opportunity to meet with recruiters who have paid to attend the fair and find qualified candidates.

Q: Is there anything a prospective job candidate should bring to a job fair besides a résumé?

A: A few résumés are good to have, but we’ve moved into a digital age. The akamai candidate will have looked at a potential employer’s website, reviewed positions they’re interested in and qualified for, and applied through their Applicant Tracking System (ATS). At the fair, their goal should be to connect with a recruiter and try to move the hiring process along by landing an interview. They can present that employer with a letter of introduction that gives contact information and states the positions for which they have applied.

Q: What are some of the things that you’ve witnessed at a job fair which made you roll your eyes?

A: Job seekers wearing clothing that is too revealing. Most frustrating, however, are those who come with an attitude that one of the companies in attendance owes them a job — because they were laid off, have been out of work a long time, are very good at what they do and therefore should be employed. Of course, there are many, many qualified candidates looking for work now. This recession has been brutal for many job seekers, and it’s very possible that an employer has treated them badly along the way. I feel bad for what they’ve gone through. If they want a new job, however, they need to leave those feelings at the door. Business is difficult enough in this economy without bringing someone’s negative baggage into your workplace. Employers are very turned off by a negative attitude. At the fair, focus on your new beginning!

Q: What is the best way for someone to look for a job?

A: Today, job seekers need a multifaceted approach. They have to understand how to look for work online — not just by searching job boards, but by utilizing social networking to make connections and find openings that might never reach a job board. But you can’t just sit at home in your jammies and cruise the Internet. You need to network in person so people think of you when something opens up.

Q: Are there many jobs that are just advertised in-house and require job seekers to go to different company’s websites?

A: With new social networking “job feeds” and sites that aggregate open positions, this is less and less the case. But it doesn’t hurt to go to a company’s website and set up an “alert” if you’re interested in a specific position. Make technology work for you!

Q: Should a job seeker present a cover letter with each résumé, and when writing a cover letter, what should be in it?

A: The Internet has revolutionized the way people look for work and the way companies look for employees. Much of this is good! One negative, however, is that it’s allowed job seekers to apply to hundreds of positions — whether they’re qualified or not — with very little effort and, often, without ever leaving their house. This creates an avalanche of applications for employers, most of which are useless because the applicant didn’t take the time to read the entire job description to make sure they meet the qualifications. Including a short cover letter when submitting a résumé tells the employer that you took the time to read the job description. If job seekers do a little research on the company, they can explain how their skills specifically qualify them for the position, making the cover letter a useful tool and not just a form letter.

Q: When during the interview process should someone ask about salary, and what is the best way to negotiate for more money?

A: This varies based on position, company and industry, but it’s not unusual to be asked about salary in your first interview, so be prepared. Most important: NEVER lie. With information at our fingertips, it’s very easy to check, and getting caught “exaggerating” the facts will kill any chance you have at landing a position. It’s OK to state your expectations, but be prepared to back it up. “I was making X at my last position, but I was doing the same work as my manager. I feel I’m worth his salary, which is X.” I would always leave the door open to negotiation, especially in this economy. You might have to settle for less than you’d hoped, but your new employer will know where you’ve set your sights.

Q: Following a job interview, what is the best way to follow up with the company or interviewer?

A: A good rule of thumb is to have your communication match the company’s preferred method. If they’re more low tech, you might want to call. If they’ve gone digital, it’s OK to email. When speaking with a recruiter at the job fair, you could ask how they prefer you follow up. Be persistent but not annoying.