Job Seekers Need to Remember Rules as Market Improves

May 25, 2010 - PRLog -- “As the employment situation begins to improve, many job seekers need to be reacquainted with the rules for a successful job search,” says Dr. Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, a New York City-based boutique executive recruiting firm.  “There are six different areas on which to focus: attitude, search, cover letter, resume, interviewing and negotiations,” he warns. “Fail at any one and your search will be a failure.”

“Attitude is key. Assuming that your unemployment is not your fault, you have nothing of which to be ashamed. You need to exude 100% confidence and 0% hard feelings. A bitter candidate is an unemployable candidate.

“The key to finding a job is networking. Yes, it is important to answer ads,” he continues, “but in a job search it is first and foremost who you know, not what you know. Don’t be shy, ask friends, acquaintances (including social networking contacts), and relatives for help.

“The cover letter is crucial. You have to grab the recipient’s attention otherwise they won’t read the resume. All employers are looking to hire the same person,” Hurwitz continues, “a problem solver and a leader. Make certain that you provide one concrete example that shows that you fit the bill.”

“With both the cover letter, which needs to be short, sweet and to the point, and the resume, perfection is important. There can be scores of candidates for each position. The competition can be fierce. Typos are human, but in the job search they can be fatal. Proofread everything.

“As for the resume,” he says, “the recipient of the resume will probably be tired. Make life easy for your readers. After your name and contact information, have a section titled, ‘Selected Accomplishments,’ where you list a handful of successes of which you are particularly proud. They should prove that you are resourceful, creative, an effective decision maker and a leader.

“Too many people place form above substance,” Hurwitz continues. “No one ever got a job because of the paper on which their resume was written or because of the font they used. In fact, being fancy can hurt a candidate. Major corporations don’t even read resumes; computers scan them. Keywords are what are important. If your resume won’t scan properly you’ll be ignored.

“When you get the interview, err on the side of conservative. Arrive early. Dress professionally. Don’t wear perfume or cologne. Women should wear a minimum of makeup and jewelry. It’s a job interview, not a date! Answer questions directly. Candidates have lost jobs because they spoke too much,” he warns, “and never lie or misrepresent. You will be caught and, if you are actually hired, you will be fired.  And don’t forget to say ‘Thank You’ at the conclusion of the interview and to send a thank you e-mail.  It’s expected.  Some employers will not invite candidates back who do not thank them for the interview.  A hand-written note is a nice, unexpected, touch,” Hurwitz adds.

“Finally, when it comes to negotiating remember you will have competition,” Hurwitz concludes.  “Separate what you want from what you need. Don’t play games. Be honest and direct. Explain rationally why you are asking for what you are asking. And remember, compensation includes benefits. Sometimes it can be more lucrative to get a lower salary and better benefits such as health insurance, prescription coverage, and pension contributions.”

For further information about the job search process visit www.hsstaffing.com.

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HSS is a boutique executive recruiting firm serving domestic and international clients in the corporate and non-profit sectors. Its mission is, whenever possible, to encourage the hiring of veterans of the US Armed Forces and Merchant Marines. Additional goals are to advance cooperation between the for-profit and non-profit sectors, and to promote international trade and commerce.