If you're out of work, looking for a new job can be challenging,
especially if you've been unemployed for an extended period of time.
Here are some expert tips for staying on track and nabbing an interview:
Convey confidence
"Remember to be enthusiastic and interested throughout the interview, regardless of how frustrated you may be with your job search," says Lynne Sarikas, director of Northeastern University's MBA Career Center.
"Remember to be enthusiastic and interested throughout the interview, regardless of how frustrated you may be with your job search," says Lynne Sarikas, director of Northeastern University's MBA Career Center.
Yes, being unemployed isn't fun. Getting turned down from previous
interviews can make the feeling even worse. Still, if you bring those
feelings into your next interview, you might jeopardize your chances.
The antidote for this negativity? Focus on how you can still produce
results on the job. "You are competing with current workers, so you have
to show that you are still capable, knowledgeable and that you add
value to the company in this position," Sarikas says.
Show you aren't rusty
Employers want workers who are up to date on their knowledge and skills. If you want to impress employers, review all the tools you used in past jobs, and make sure you're familiar with all the relevant industry language.
Employers want workers who are up to date on their knowledge and skills. If you want to impress employers, review all the tools you used in past jobs, and make sure you're familiar with all the relevant industry language.
"Know the software you used in each role you've worked," says Sarah
Connors, staffing manager in the human resources contracts division at WinterWyman.
"Software is becoming a bigger item to help get you in the door, and
those names should roll off your tongue like you used them yesterday.
[Saying] 'Um' ... because you can't remember a name makes it seem like
you don't remember the software, and if you don't remember the software,
then it's not a value-add you're bringing to the next company."
Another way to prove your value? "Use your network: Connect with
former co-workers and managers on LinkedIn to get a great referral that
shows what a capable, valuable employee you can be," Connors says.
Prove your fit
"Fit is the most critical determination in hiring for both the hiring manager and the candidate," Sarikas says. "For the hiring manager, there are typically multiple candidates with the skills to do the job. The challenge is finding the best person for the job based on how they fit with the team and the culture of the organization."
"Fit is the most critical determination in hiring for both the hiring manager and the candidate," Sarikas says. "For the hiring manager, there are typically multiple candidates with the skills to do the job. The challenge is finding the best person for the job based on how they fit with the team and the culture of the organization."
So how do you communicate fit? Be yourself, says Kevin Ricklefs, senior vice president of talent management at CHG Healthcare.
"Don't just answer the question; add some personality and passion into
each response," Ricklefs says. "Your personality comes through when you
convey enthusiasm for certain topics, you tell stories that explain your
'why's, and you ask questions of the interviewer in areas that interest
you."
Explain any long-term unemployment
If you have not worked for a while, you may be asked about it in your interviews. Invest the time in creating a strong answer to this question.
If you have not worked for a while, you may be asked about it in your interviews. Invest the time in creating a strong answer to this question.
"Being honest is always the best option," Connors says. "If there's
something you feel is too personal to share, you'll want to talk to a
recruiter, mentor or trusted friend about how to discuss it. Highlight
any volunteer work, contract positions or classes you have taken that
show you've been active and keeping your skills fresh. It's too
competitive a market to not give yourself every advantage."