Think As Inc

PLAYING IT SAFE WITH YOUR JOB SEARCH

February 15, 2010 on 1:15 am | In career coaching, life coaching | No Comments

The job search process is highly subjective.  Multiple, often conflicting, opinions abound.  If you ask ten recruiters the same question, you may hear up to ten different answers.  For example, I do not care about getting thank you letters from interviewees.  Some of my recruiting colleagues close candidates if they don’t send a thank you letter.  I barely read cover letters.  Some place more importance on the cover letter than on the resume.  With so much dissension among recruiters themselves, how do you know what protocol to follow?  Be conservative.

Since you don’t know what recruiter is reviewing your resume or giving your next interview, submit all resumes with a cover letter and follow up all interviews with a thank you letter.  The recruiters that don’t care will just discard these things.  The recruiters that do care will now not have a reason to discard you. 

This follows with all the basic components of a job search.  Understand what is required, and err on the side of caution.  Have all marketing materials ready (e.g., business card, resume, cover letter, thank you letter, letters of reference, list of references), even though you might not need all of these all the time.  Dress should be professional and neat.  Wear suits in conservative colors (e.g., blue, brown or black) and cuts (i.e., not too short or tight).  Good manners always count.  Be on time.  Be friendly to everyone, including administrative staff.  Have a positive attitude.  You will not know the personality preferences of the people you meet, but you want to be remembered in a positive light.