Tips to Land That Job

Congratulations to all the recent grads who are now job hunting! This time of your life is likely equally exhilarating and terrifying. Landing that first "real" job often requires a lot of persistence, patience, a little luck and paying attention to details that matter to your potential employer.

Whether you are a recent grad on the hunt for that first job because the idea of moving back in with Mom and Dad is enough to create an anxiety attack, or you want to make a job change because the idea of going back to the same old job Monday morning is enough to cause you an anxiety attack, here are 10 job hunting dos and don'ts.


1. Do let people know that you are job hunting. Many if not most jobs are filled because of who you know.

2. Do adapt your cover letter and resume to the job you are applying for and address it to the appropriate person. Boiler plate resumes and cover letters addressed "To Whom it May Concern" won't land you an interview.

3. Should you get an interview, do research the company beforehand and come prepared with questions about the company.

4. Do arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview. It's just as rude to arrive too early as it is to arrive too late.

5. Do leave your cell phone in the car (unless you're an emergency worker on call). Texting incessantly while waiting for your interview and having your phone go off during the interview is very bad form.

6. Do dress professionally. Always lean towards conservative. That includes covering up your body, body tattoos and piercings – unless you're applying for a job with Miami Ink.

7. Do not ever badmouth a former employer, boss or colleague during a job interview.

8. Do present a positive attitude, a willingness to learn – and smile! This is especially important when you don't have all the experience and skills the job requires. Many employers will hire because of attitude over experience. Skills can be taught – a positive attitude can't.

9. Do be "Facebook smart." Don't post details about your interviews. Something as innocent as posting that you are interviewing with "ABC Company" can hurt you, as most employers want to keep their interviewing process confidential. Nor will employers likely hire someone who they think might post confidential company information. Do check your privacy settings and photos. Limit who can see your page and remove anything that might prove incriminating or raise concern with a potential employer. Google yourself – they will Google you!

10. After the interview, do follow up with a handwritten thank-you letter to the person who interviewed you. If more than one person interviewed you, craft a letter for each person. Offer a sincere thank you along with one more chance to stress how much you want the job and why you are the best person for the job.

Now get out there and get that job!