By: Coy Renick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

[email protected]

Here’s a quick outline for locating and obtaining a great job as a checklist you can use.

• Where to look
  1. Job posting sites like monster.com, indeed.com, roanoke.com, or many others
  2. Internet
  3. VEC
  4. Companies in area
  5. Headhunters
  6. Networking – Social Sites and in Person

More tips here.

• How to prepare
  1. Resume
     1. No more than two pages
     2. Matches open job description
  2. Cover Letter
     1. Specific to advertisement
     2. Includes research of organization
  3. Application
     1. Fill out completely
     2. Print very neatly
  4. What to wear
     1. Know your audience
     2. Neatness is the most important

• Don’t overdo jewelry or perfume

1. Research
2. Note pad with questions
   1. Profitability
   2. Long range business plans

• What specifically do you want me to do

• Prepare for questions which will be asked
  1. See attached list
  2. Discussion
  3. Tell me about yourself
  4. Say “What will help You”
• How long should the interview last?
  1. Stress interview
  2. Panel interview
  3. Could include, tour of organization, lunch with officials, visits to other sites
  4. The LONGER THE BETTER
• Things you must do
  1. Have a clean automobile
  2. Arrive 15 minutes early
  3. Talk with receptionist
  4. Read bulletin boards if available
  5. SMILE – SMILE
  6. Firm Handshake
  7. Watch your body language
  8. Never ask about pay and benefits
  9. Look the interviewer in the eye
  10. Avoid mannerisms
  11. Never say anything negative
  12. Ask for a business card from each person you interview with
  13. Always say “ Thank You”
• Follow-up
  1. Immediately provide and requested information
  2. Thank you note “Immediately”
  3. Call about status every two weeks
  4. Ask someone to put in a word for you
  5. Continue your search
• When you get an offer prepare a list of questions
  1. Vacation
  2. Medical Insurance (health, dental, vision)
  3. Life AD&D
  4. PTO
  5. 401-K
  6. Pension
  7. Professional Memberships
  8. Civic Involvement
  9. Sign up Bonus
  10. Relocation
  11. Stock Options
  12. Bonus
  13. Computer
  14. Office
  15. Cell Phone
  16. Ask for benefits description
• Don’t immediately accept job “Consult with your Significant Other”
• Look at all choices
  1. Pros
  2. Cons
• Negotiate a great deal
• Ask for an offer letter
  1. Pay
  2. Agreed benefits
  3. Special arrangements
     1. Vacation already planned
     2. Computer