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THE JOB SEARCH
Recruiters are looking for someone who is
bright, tenacious, people-friendly, has stamina, can multi-task and has a
willing attitude. Leading human resource recruiters agree that the key
caveats of an applicant process are: |
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Résumé |
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Simple format - no fancy fonts or borders.
Even if you are trying out for a graphic arts job, your style pizazz
should show in your portfolio, not on your résumé. This is a case of less
is more.
No cutesy nick names like "Billy Bob" or
e-mail addresses like "Baby Doll" or "Stud."
No outlandish statements like "I am the
best in my field," even if it's true.
No typos or grammatical errors.
No lies about employment, experience, education or dates.
A level of
sophistication revealing or alluding to education and polish. An
excellent vocabulary is not something to be ashamed of. Don't dumb it
down.
Straightforward and explanatory--no obfuscating, convoluted or vague
language which
will
baffle recruiter.
Appropriate qualifications to do the job
for which you are applying. If light on background, don't discount any
experience, there are redeeming qualities in almost all experience. |
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Cover
letter |
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Should reflect ability to communicate
effectively and convey individual qualities which make you a valuable
addition to staff. It should not be merely perfunctory. It should be
compelling, inducing the recruiter to read the résumé and then call you in
for an interview. |
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Interview |
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After
skills, the most important quality is attitude. Whether you're
interviewing for a position as a manager or just a Mcjob, be positive and
convey the feeling that you will give a good day's work for a day's pay.
First jobs are an important stepping stone and should be treated with
respect.
A recruiter's nightmare is the individual
who thinks they are too good to do anything they deem beneath their
dignity, has a poor work attitude, is rigid in their expectations and
thinks the employer owes them something ... no matter how well qualified
otherwise. It is the recruiter's job to weed those people out.
Be forthright, sincere and enthusiastic,
without whining, grovelling or ingratiating yourself. Don't be
superficial, gratuitous and transparent in flattery. Be prepared--know
something about the company, its history, accomplishments, objectives,
and how you can contribute to its goals. Ask probative questions showing
an interest in the company's mission and philosophy.
Don't dominate the conversation. Don't
ramble. Don't engage in nervous chit-chat to delay recruiter's probing
questions. Listen, then answer succinctly. Don't lie or embellish the
truth. There's no shame in admitting you don't know the answer to a
question, but turn that around to your advantage by asking the recruiter
to elaborate and that may turn the interview in a more favorable
direction. |
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Non-entertainment corporate jobs |
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Dress simply, modestly/conservatively.
No leather or sequins, no see-through or tube tops, mini-skirts, bare
midriff, low-rider, hip-hugging or camel-toe clothes. No visible piercing,
tattoos, exotic hairstyles, makeup or mandarin-length nail wraps, and no
excessive jewelry. First impressions count, and if you make the wrong one
you won't get the job. There's a lot of tasteful style latitude between
male stripper and monk or dominatrix and nun. And don't play dumb, you
do know the difference. |
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Entertainment-related jobs |
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You can be a
little more style trendy but not over the top because all entertainment
jobs
have a corporate connection. |
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