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Dressing for Success
When attending an interview, it is important to choose attire that shows you are serious about landing the job.
In addition to picking the right clothing, you should also take special care to ensure they are tidy in appearance. Consider visiting the dry cleaners for commercial grade services. If you have several interviews in your future, it’s a good idea to return to the cleaner afterwards, so your clothes are ready for the next
meeting. higher-level jobs, suits are a must. Remember these tips from employment advisors Monster when GOVERNMENT POSITION choosing your attire for these indus If you are a prospect for a job tries. within a government agency, it is important to dress in a responsible TECH JOBS and mature fashion. Avoid being too When interviewing for an en- flashy. A dark suit with a plain tie try-level position in a startup or will make a statement that you are technical position, a suit may be there to impress. Experts also recoverdoing it. While you should ommend being conservative with still aim to look professional and jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. approachable, experts recommend donning a collared shirt and khakis or slacks for men. Women can SALES PROFESSIONALS make an impact with a sweater or For high-end sales jobs, a neat blouse and slacks. Of course, for appearance makes an impact. The
sales manager will want to see you in your best outfit to gauge how you will come across to clients. Do your research to judge the typical dress code in the office and decide to be bold with fashion or play it safe with solid colors. Consider the type of clientele that the product you’re selling will be focused on.
FINANCE
Financial positions require an employee who comes off neat, strict and honest. When you are meeting with a hiring manager, make sure your clothing has been pressed and your overall appearance is tidy.
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Negotiating a Career Change
Changing careers can be overwhelming, especially if you have been in the same industry for most of your working life.
Whether you are looking for a new challenge or becoming tired of your current-work environment — a new job may be in order. Before making the leap, it’s important to understand why you want to change careers and which field your skills would be useful in. Be sure you’re committed to the new experience before leaving behind the job you worked hard to attain.
self for three to six months without • What are benefits like? an income. Knowing what you should exPREPARING YOURSELF pect about a new job is crucial be Entering a new career field is fore leaving the position you are nothing to jump into blindly. Pre- QUESTIONS FOR familiar with. pare yourself by researching your SOMEONE IN THE INDUSTRY new industry. You should know what to expect regarding salary, If a different industry has piqued FACING DISAPPOINTMENT benefits and number of hours you your interest, reach out to someone already working in it and ask the Just like any job search, there are will work. hurdles and letdowns when seeking It’s also important to have an hard questions before committing a new career. Your lack of experiemergency fund in your savings to a new career path. Here are some account. You’ll be glad it’s there if things to consider learning more ence in a certain field may seem like it’s holding you back. If you are dethe new entry level job doesn’t offer about. the same compensation you’re used • What is the typical workday clined for the job, ask the interviewer for their opinion of why that was to. Experts at the American Insti- like? tute of CPAs suggest having at least • What is the average salary, ini- the result. Consider each failure as $15,000 set aside. The idea is hav- tially, and what you can expect to a learning experience to apply for ing enough money to support your- earn long term? your next opportunity.
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Research Potential Employers
One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to get to know the company.
company. If they have a social media presence, that’s a great place to start. A simple search of their name can reveal charitable contributions, performance milestones and additions to their team. Be sure to men When you show interest in the tion things you relate to, regarding overall mission and are knowledge- the strides they are taking to grow. Former or current employees able about their accomplishments, will also give you an interesting it shows an interviewer you are seperspective in how the company rious about getting on board. operates, internally. Reach out to your peers who have or had a relaWHERE TO tionship with the group to find out FIND INFORMATION what they expect and what they Today’s technology gives job look for in prospective hires. seekers awesome tools to research a
PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
Now that you know a little more, you should know how to share your research during the interview. Blatantly spouting out information can make you come off cocky or bland. Instead, plan how you will incorporate what you learned into the conversation. When a hiring manager asks if you have any questions about the company or position, it’s a great time to incorporate some of your research. You can ask them about recent milestones they made and what
it took to achieve them. The more prepared you are with how you will present the research will make both yourself and the interviewer more comfortable during your meeting.
RESEARCH CLIENTS AND SERVICES
Before you go into an interview, it’s also helpful to know the types of services you will be offering and a general idea of the clientele you reach out to. Understanding the crucial components of every operation, can help you strategize an effective way to stand out once you’re hired.
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