By Alison H., MSCCN Technology Support

Over the years, I have experienced many ups and downs in my job searches and while employed, I have witnessed many interesting “teachable moments” when dealing with job applicants. Here are some practical tips from my personal experiences to help you when you apply for a job.

The job announcement states you need to apply in person.

-  When applying for a job in person, be sure to dress nicely but not over-the-top. After all, you are just applying for the job; you are not at the interview stage yet. Keep your appearance clean and don’t wear too much makeup, jewelry, or perfume.

-  Have a copy of your resume along with a cover letter. Keep your paperwork (resume, etc.) in a binder of some sort. Too many people just take the paperwork without thinking it will get bent or even misplaced. If you have a folder or binder to hold all your paperwork, you will likely feel more organized and the paperwork will be less likely to be damaged or wrinkled.

-  When applying in person, you are selling your appearance. Have a genuine smile and let it be known you are there to apply for the job.

-  When they hand you the application be sure you have your own pen or pencil to use. They will likely tell you what type of ink to use. It is very important to have a pen/pencil with you when applying for a job. I have been at certain jobs where the applicant walked in and asked for an application then also asked for a pen. I have seen managers toss that application just because the applicant did not have a pen. The manager’s response was always the same, “They knew they were applying for a job and by not having a pen on them, they showed they were not prepared.” I was shocked at how quickly one can be looked over by not being prepared!

-  Another thing I have witnessed was an application tossed after the applicant asked to use a phone book to look up their previous employer’s address or phone number. Again it shows you are not prepared. One thing I do is carry around a list of my past employers with the dates I worked, the address, the pay, the supervisor, the title I held. Having this with me at all times has come in very handy.

-  When applying for the job it is proper to ask if the job you are applying for fits the ad that drew your attention to apply. Are the hours correct and the days listed accurate? I recently applied for a job that was listed as a full-time day job at a nursing home in a not-so-great part of town. Upon arriving to apply, I asked if the job indeed was full-time days as it was advertised. I was told (after I asked, not before) that the job was not full-time but only an hour each night. Had I known that ahead of time, I never would have applied. The ad stated no phone calls and to apply in person. I obviously did not apply and I felt the employer was either not organized or deceptive and realized I did not want to work for such a place.

-  When you apply it is a really good idea to have at least three references ready to use. Ensure the references know you are going to use them first. A lot of times I applied and did not have references on hand. I figured it was only needed when I reached the interview stage, but some employers want references on their application.

You applied for the job online.

-  You get the phone call you have been waiting for-- they would like to schedule an interview. I usually ask the caller what the best time for them is. A lot of times I have noticed an employer wants to schedule the interview after lunch or close to the end of the day. With that in mind, be sure you have time to get to the interview and not be late. I have always driven out to the employers’ location the night before to see how far it is so I am familiar with the location. For the day of the interview, factor in the time of day. If it is around lunch time or near the end of the day, the traffic is going to be a lot heavier. Also ensure you know where to park. If you are not able to drive out the night before because the interview is scheduled for that day you receive the call, be sure you map the drive on an internet website. You might think you know where the location is but by mapping it you will get turn by turn directions with street names and an estimated time. Be sure you add more time than what is shown so you are not late. If you are late or something unforeseen happens be sure you have the interviewer’s phone number to call if needed. It does not look good but by calling you are showing you are responsible rather than showing up late and telling someone you could not call because you did not have the number.

-  Ensure you have all your paperwork nicely tucked away and that you appearance is a clean and simple one. When dressing it is appropriate to wear a more professional look than when you applied for the job. Sometimes employers do not like it when you are dressed in a designer suit and shoes for a non-professional or managerial level position. I usually stick to nice dress pants with a professional top. I wear heels but not ones I can’t walk in.

-  It is OK to be nervous and even let the employer know. If you did not care about the position, you would not be there.

If you have scoured the classified jobs online and in the paper and have not found anything, don’t be discouraged.  

-  I once went into a store near my home where I felt I was fit for administrative and/or computer work. I walked in just to inquire if any positions were open and they advised they were not hiring but after the owner saw my résumé I was asked if I could be interviewed right then and there and the company found a new position for me! 

In summary, remember always to be prepared, dressed appropriately, and know it is OK to walk away if the job is not as advertised. A lot of employers think that if they post an ad listing full time and days it will entice more people to apply. When they do not list a phone number or state not to call, remember it is OK not to apply if the job is not as it was listed. If a company is shady with you and not clear upfront, you need to ask yourself if you would really want to be working at such a place. I know I got all worked up and excited when I applied for what I thought was a full-time day job but when I asked if it was indeed full time and days and learned it was an hour at night, I felt cheated of an opportunity and let down. However, I left knowing that there are other jobs out there and that I will be prepared even if the employer is not.  

The Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), www.msccn.org, is a designated 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing with the IRS. The MSCCN is dedicated to providing career opportunities and job portability for military spouses, veterans, war wounded and their caregivers, and transitioning military through a nationwide network of employers. MSCCN operates with MOUs from all branches of the Armed Forces as an employment partner. For more information, please contact the MSCCN at 1-877-696-7226 or askus@msccn.org.