Atlanta grads, interviewing is like dating!

Interviewing is like dating, success is in the numbers. The more dates you have, the greater your chances of finding the right match (that’s why dating sites are so popular- they increase your odds). The more interviews you have, increases your odds of getting hired. You’ve just come back from Florida or Mexico or some other fabulous spring break destination so you’re rested, and look fabulous. The problem however, is now thoughts of finding a job dance around like sugarplums in your head, instead of dreams of measuring the wall in your new apartment for your flat screen television.

Grads you’re in luck, because with just a click of a mouse, you can locate thousands of job openings. In fact, the demand in the areas of health care, information technology, social media marketing and domestic and international security exceeds supply. Being young and fabulous I know many of you may want to leave college and head for a glamorous metropolitan city but you may have a much better chance of landing your dream job if you pack either your cowboy boots or downhill skis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the February 2011 unemployment rates for North Dakota was 3.7%, Nebraska, 4.3%, South Dakota, 4.8%, New Hampshire, 5.4%, Vermont, 5.6% and Iowa, 6.1%. The largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment among large areas in the Southeast occurred in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia (−0.6 percent). I haven’t been to North Dakota but New England is gorgeous and right now those low unemployment numbers makes it the land of milk and honey!

Grads you live in an unprecedented time in America; in the last twenty years it has been young minds, talent and genius that have brought the world closer together by allowing all of us to make new friends and waste countless hours posting annoying tweets. You can go anywhere and do anything so whatever you do, don’t let location hinder your job search. Remember you just want to have as many interviews as possible to get employed and obtain valuable experience. Then you can take your genius, talent, skills and experience and plan your next strategic move to a tiki hut in Hawaii if you so choose. With that being said, before graduation day arrives start planning and strategizing the next phase of your young and fabulous life.

Seriously evaluate and consider relocating. You may have to go where the jobs are.
Research companies to get to know the needs of the organization.
Determine how your skills, talent and qualifications meet the organization’s needs.
Seek out a mentor and/or someone who has insider knowledge to help you get in front of the right people.
Use social networking strategically and remember employers may search your name.
Develop and practice your elevator pitch; be able to toot your own horn confidently.
Prepare quality job interview questions.
Use mirror imaging to practice your interview discussion and evaluate your physical appearance and body language.
Talk about your skills, talent and qualifications to family members. Have them interview you. If you can impress them, you’ll be able to impress a panel of interviewers.
If a local company is hiring, be bold and go to their location.
Show up totally prepared; meaning appropriately dressed, well groomed and carrying your error free resume.
Set-up informational interviews.

An informational interview offers a better understanding of the industry or organization you are considering for employment. An informational interview is an opportunity to enlarge your professional networking circle and practice interviewing techniques. During it you should obtain valuable current information about a particular industry or organization to determine if it matches what you’ve heard, read or think you know. It is a tremendous opportunity to discover the organization’s needs and where the industry is going and what type of skills and qualifications you would need to get hired. Do not use it as an opportunity to sell yourself.

Call companies directly and ask to speak to (your research will identify the person based on your interest) say Mr. Johnson. Be extremely nice and pleasant to the person that answers the phone and explain that you’re a recent college grad seeking information. Remember the person that answers the phone is the “gatekeeper” so you definitely want to get on their good side. Prepare for the informational interview the same way you would a real interview. Be passionate, prepared and blow them away with your quality questions. After the interview, write and mail, not email a thank you letter and keep in touch. Learning how to develop and nurture relationships will be one of the most important elements you’ll ever learn. When a position becomes available that interviewer will remember you. By the way, North Dakota's 15th Annual Construction and Trades Job Fair will be held at the National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College on April 7th. Just saying…..

For more career tips and strategies visit my website at www.dgsconsultingllc.com or call 404 567-5790.