Page 48 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2021

LANDING THE
DREAM JOB story by Alexis Williams
Are you searching for the perfect job and need a little help getting started? Landing that job is all about preparation, setting yourself apart from others, and following up with interviewers.
Lauren Germany is the owner of People Matters, a South Mississippi firm offering human resources support for businesses. In her 20 years in the human resources world, she has interviewed and hired
numerous employees and has pertinent advice to offer.
When applying for a job, it’s vital to use your network, which means getting a referral from someone you trust. “A busy, understaffed HR department struggles to sort and search through countless resumes for several open positions at once,” says Germany. “Getting a referral from a trusted source can quickly move a resume to the top of the stack.”
Resumes and cover letters are still an important aspect in your search. Germany recommends focusing efforts on the resume’s content rather than design, making sure to use keywords that show your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Cover letters allow you to tell an employer why you’re interested and share a little about yourself before they dig into your resume. References are vital to your job search, and it’s important
to be strategic when choosing them and have their consent before listing the reference.
Social media can play a pivotal role in your ability to secure a job. It’s important to clean up your social media event before applying for a job and remove any questionable posts or comments.
You’ve heard it before – practice makes perfect. Make a
list of potential questions and then practice the interview. Germany suggests practicing in the mirror, videoing yourself, or rehearsing with a friend.
Dressing appropriately for an interview is expected by employers. Do your research to see how others at the company dress and follow suit. “No matter the style, make sure your clothes are neatly pressed, in good condition, and fit well,” adds Germany.
Your interview will be the most important part of
your job search. “An interview should never be
one-sided,” comments Germany. What she means is
that it’s also your job to ask questions during your interview.
Germany recommends asking about leadership styles, the work environment, available training and support, the average tenure, and about the company’s community involvement. She says to leave with one final question, “What other information could I provide that will help make your decision easier?”
And after, stay connected. Give the company a week and reach out again to see where the selection process stands.
Follow up is essential after your interview. A thank you note to the prospective employer is good practice, and even better if it is hand-written. “In the 20 plus years of my career, I’ve only received a handful of handwritten cards – and every one of their senders were hired.”
Lauren Germany.
48 | September 2021
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living