Being Marketable During Your Job Search
Once you make contact, you will hopefully be contacted for an interview. Once it is scheduled, make sure you have the appropriate outfit for the job. Regardless of whether the job will require you to wear professional dress clothing, it is important to wear something in this style to the interview. Men should wear suits dark in colors, and women can wear a business suit or something comparable. Dark colors give an impression of confidence and professionalism. A woman can add a stand out accessory. Keep colors subtle, but you can still add something classy to stand out. Also bring with you a professional bag or brief case.
Once your clothing is chosen, gather items you will need for the interview. You should bring additional copies of paperwork initially sent to the company, a notepad for taking notes, and a pen. If you have already arranged references, bring those along. This is also a great time to present letters of recommendation to your potential employer. Use generic business cards; it might be a good idea to include these with your presentation. Do not use cards from your last job unless you were self-employed.
It might be a good idea to prep for the interview. Scan employment manuals or online tips sites for sample interview questions. Many of the questions you will be asked are standard, so have an idea what you would like to talk about.
Be familiar with the position for which you are interviewing and be aware of some of the background information about the company. Even if you are not asked, working this information into your answers is a good way to impress the interviewers.