Summer’s here, but for lots of folks the job market is still ice cold. The opportunities that do exist are generating fierce competition, and that means you’ll need to take advantage of every competitive edge you can isolate. What’s one way to offset the unseasonal chill? Try a round of spring cleaning. Here are 5 messy areas that many job seekers fail to address:
1. Clean up your online imageUnderstandably, you’re sentimental about your frat house nickname. But professional contacts may not appreciate a virtual handshake from LadiesMan86. Do a clean sweep of your entire online profile – that includes your screen names, your email address, your photo archives, and any unsavory associates, who are likely to post keg-stand congratulations or bikini contest rankings on your Facebook wall. More than ever before, employers are extending background checks to include your social network profiles – so make sure they’re sparkling.
2. Clean up your creditAccording to the Society for Human Resource Management, about 35% of companies review credit scores when making hiring or promotion decisions. Major black marks – including collection actions, foreclosures and repossessions – can potentially count against you. Experts say that a bad credit history mainly affects job candidates who may be hired to work directly with money or valuables, but all job candidates should know that credit reports can be used as a way to verify previous employment – yet another reason not to fudge the dates and titles on your resume. Of course, building a good credit score takes time. Check yours at least once a year to make sure it doesn’t contain damaging errors.
3. Clean up your mulletA recent article posted by the Wall Street Journal confirms that appearance does indeed matter to future employers. Much as we’d all like to be judged by the content of our character, first impressions will always hold sway. So guys: nix the goatee. If you’re a jeans and flip-flops kind of gal, bite the bullet and buy (or borrow) a decent suit for your upcoming interviews. The idea is to model yourself after the most esteemed person in your industry. Your interviewer will be able to focus on your answers if he or she isn’t distracted by your glitter nail polish.
4. Clean up your workspace
Whether you have a complete home office, or a Rolodex propped up on a milk crate, you can’t effectively launch a job search amidst a heap of chaos. Organize your folders and your files. Keep hard copies and soft copies of your interview materials in a safe, accessible place. Remove potential distractions like magazines and crossword puzzles. And institute a self-imposed ban on unrelated web surfing during your dedicated job search hours.
5. Clean up your attitude
No matter how despicable your ex-boss may have been, an interview is never the right place to air your dirty laundry. Likewise, your harrowed tale of yearlong unemployment and children needing braces may generate sympathy, but it’s more likely to jeopardize your candidacy. Interviewers want to assess whether or not you can do the job, and whether you’ll fit into their organization’s mix. The best way to assure them of both is to convey a positive, can-do attitude, while answering questions as directly as possible. You’ll look and feel more motivated if you’re rested and hydrated – so be sure to fold good sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits into your interview schedule.
Elizabeth O’Neill
Click here for online learning and degree opportunities to pursue a career in this industry.
