Summer Job Hunting Tips

A new report says more Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, suggesting the labor market is weakening. Applications were up by 9,000, to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 last week, the biggest jump in a month. What that means if you are looking for a job is increasing competition, and it’s easy to get discouraged.

But there are ways you can set yourself apart from other applicants this summer.

Soni Dimond is a publicist and author of “Life’s a Pitch.” She says the summer is the perfect time to buckle down in a job hunt, whether you are out of work or just looking to change employers.

“If you are looking for a job, nows the time to really take advantage of getting out there and meeting people,” Dimond says. “You go to parties, picnics, graduations, and weddings, where you can meet people who know other people.”

Once you land the interview it’s important to be prepared. Do your homework and research the company.

“Quote words off the website,” Dimond recommends. “I choose those words for a reason. I like to describe my company that way. Use words that mirror them back to me so that I know you’ve done your research and I’m very flattered.”

Also it doesn’t hurt to find common ground with the interviewer. Did you go to the same college? Or grow up in the same town?

“See what pictures are on the wall,” Dimond says. “Is that person a boater, or a photographer? Is that person someone who enjoys a hobby that you might share? Bring it up.”

Don’t forget to make sure you look and feel your best. Try to arrive early so you have time to run to the bathroom and look at yourself in the mirror. Don’t forget to check all angles. People will be looking at you from the front, side, and back.

“Dress in your sincere suit,” Dimond said. “I always call it that. Put a little effort into it. Perhaps give us a little ‘V’, a collar that has a ‘V’.”

Diamond says the ‘V’ will direct the attention to your communicators, the eyes and mouth.

And don’t forget the thank you note. Dimond says you should send an email right when you leave the interview, and put a hand-written note in the mail when you get home.

For more tips from Soni Dimond CLICK HERE