My 10 Best Job Hunting Tips

Many of my friends are back on the market with rusty job hunting skills. As Splendora's Chief for the past ten years, I have sifted through hundreds of resumes, interviewed over a hundred applicants, and hired dozens upon dozens of quality folks. Here are a few things that always impress me.

1. Real-speak cover letters. The "Dear Sir or Madam, Please find attached..." cover letter is a yawning convention that doesn't stand out. I enjoy a concise missive that uses "normal" language and gives specific examples of how their experience is relevant to the position offered. One applicant cleverly used Splendora's "What To" format in her cover letter and finished with "Who to Hire: Jennifer Wong." She has now been part of my team for five years.

2. Ideally, ONE page resumes with a bullet point list of experience. I realize that some jobs require lengthier resumes but if you can, make it concise. I also like a quick bullet list at the top of a resume that I can scan. Tailor the list to the job you are applying for. Don't laundry list your skills like: Photoshop, Word, Excel. Categorize skills into groups like Web & Print Design-Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design.

3. Smart wardrobe. Don't over- or underdress. Go for style neutral like a blazer over a minimally detailed top with trousers or a skirt. Even in a casual setting jeans are not appropriate. Your clothing should not detract from you. Avoid cleavage, sexy hair, and anything too fitted. Statement jewelry is only appropriate if you are meeting another style guru like myself. Here are some smart ensembles I put together.

4. Firm handshake. Eye contact. Homework. Do not present your hand like a dead fish or offer it like royalty expecting a kiss. Shake with a decent grip. There's also a fine line between assertive and a know-it-all. Don't try to teach your interviewer about her business but be sure to let her know that you've done your research. It's a real turnoff when an applicant asks, "So what do you guys do here anyway?" 

5. Listen carefully then present yourself. Don't simply rattle off past duties. I want to know the story. Pull out three major achievements, explain how you accomplished them, how it improved your previous company and how it will be relevant to the position you are applying for. With the exception of use in simile or expressing favor, expunge the word "like" from your vocabulary. "I, like, really want this job and think I'm, like, qualified for it." Not!

6. Avoid detailed money discussion. No employer likes to know that a candidate is only interested in a position to pay their bills. I'm always happy to discuss the general salary range but the first interview is not the time to get into the specifics. Wait until the second interview or the callback when you have a stronger negotiation position.

7. Say you want the job. I always like when candidates make it clear that they want the job at the end of the interview and ask for a next point of contact or decision date.

8. Evolving the Thank You card. Handwritten thank you cards are sweet and thoughtful but they have never influenced my hiring decision. On the other hand, I have completely changed my opinion of a candidate after receiving a brief thank you email, which included relevant insights and interesting links that pertained to our discussion. I realize that some people do not interview well so a smart follow up email lets a candidate add a few things that might have gone unsaid in the interview process.

9. Don't paralyze yourself with the future. Everyone wants to find their dream job but in this economy we also have to be realistic. The job you take now does not have to lock you into a career path or industry. Nothing is forever. Go to your interview with an open mind.

10. Stay cool baby. Remember how well you interviewed the last time you landed a job. You are good at this. You are an asset to this company. You WILL get a job soon so stop stressing and enjoy your downtime. Want an anxiety antidote? If you haven't already, subscribe to Splendora's free weekly email and get your dose of style, culture, and comic relief to stay loose. Our job is to stick with you through good times and bad.