When it comes to job hunting tips, the little things matter. Not to freak you out, but even the seemingly unimportant details can make a big impression. We’ve all heard the typical interview do’s and don’ts (DO dress professionally, DON’T bash your previous employer, etc.) but what about the etiquette rules that tend to get overlooked? Majority Hunter is here to give you the low-down on the small things that will make or break you.
Talk on the phone in a quiet place. This is extremely important and something that a lot of people overlook. If you have a scheduled phone call with a manager or recruiter, plan accordingly and make sure that you can talk in a space with little noise and disturbances. There’s nothing more off-putting than getting on the phone with somebody who seems unprepared and distracted.
Always spell-check your resume. Something as simple as a typo or grammar error on your resume will send up a red flag to employers. If you can’t pay attention to detail when it comes to your own resume, how can somebody expect you to be detail-oriented at your job? Your resume and cover letter should be close to perfect, so take your time with it.
Keep your emails professional. Job hunting tips don’t stop there. Majority Hunter’s top tip? Don’t slack when it comes to your emails. Always include a clear and direct subject line, use a professional greeting, don’t go overboard with fonts or colors, and be cautious with the use of exclamation points and humor. It’s always better to play it safe than be sorry and make the wrong impression. And of course, leave the old AOL email with the funny nickname in the past. It’s a good idea to create a new email address for the job hunt.
Be persistent, but not a pest. It’s polite (and appreciated) to send a follow-up email after an interview. The interviewer will probably give you a timeframe on when you should expect to hear back. However, avoid going over the top with calling and emailing to ask for feedback. Stick to the agreed-upon timeframe and be patient. There are things that need to be debated and worked out, so don’t assume the worst if you don’t immediately get an offer.
Don’t burn bridges. It’s a good rule of thumb to always be kind and well-mannered. Just because you don’t immediately get a job offer or get turned down for a job, doesn’t mean that you should be sending rude emails or swearing off a company for good. It’s not unheard of for a manager to reach back out at a better time or to recommend you for a different position. Keeping it professional and preserving your integrity never goes out of style.
Want more? Head to our blog for more job hunting tips or visit MajorityStrategies.com/blog for additional tips and tricks from industry experts.