Job Hunting Secrets: Resume, Interview, and Salary Negotiation Tips You Need to Know

Job hunting can be a daunting task, especially if you've been unemployed for a while. However, there are certain tips and tricks that can give you an edge over other candidates. Here are some resume, interview, and salary negotiation secrets you need to know.


Resume Secrets:

Do:
  • Keep your job search fresh and current to avoid being seen as unemployable.
  • Build and maintain a strong professional network to increase your chances of getting hired.
  • Be mindful of your email address as it can indicate your personality, which HR managers may judge you for.
  • Keep your resume concise and avoid including irrelevant information like hobbies or children.
  • Give a firm handshake during an interview to make a good impression.

Don't:
  • Assume that test scores alone will guarantee you a job as hiring managers may be biased.
  • Rely too heavily on cover letters as not all HR managers read them.
  • Use an inappropriate email address as it can negatively affect your job prospects.
  • Mention graduation dates if you're over 50 or 60 to avoid age discrimination.
  • Use a small font on your resume or include irrelevant information like hobbies or children.


Interview Secrets:

Do:
  • Focus on demonstrating your skills and experience during the hiring process.
  • Research the company and industry before going into the interview to impress the interviewer.
  • Choose the right setting to ask questions, such as the HR manager's office, to avoid cornering them in inappropriate places.
  • Be honest about your salary history to avoid any complications.
  • Turn off your phone during the interview to show professionalism and respect.

Don't:
  • Ask about the type of business the company is in during the interview as this information should be researched beforehand.
  • Act too informally during the interview and neglect to showcase your skills and experience.
  • Beg for sympathy during the hiring process as companies are not charities.
  • Use tricks to hide the fact that you have young children as some hiring managers may discriminate against you.
  • Assume that being overweight won't affect your chances of getting hired.


Salary Negotiation Secrets:

Do:


  • Say you need to think about the job offer overnight before accepting it.
  • Be flexible when asked about your expected salary and base it on the job responsibilities.
  • Negotiate your salary with confidence.

Don't:
  • Lie about your salary history as most previous employers share this information with future employers.
  • Accept the job offer immediately without negotiating your salary.

In the end, it's all about demonstrating your skills and experience while being mindful of your conduct and professionalism.