Proper Decorum for Job Applicants - Manners Matter

CEBU, Philippines - Whether you are a college graduate going on your first interview, or you have just lost your job, looking for a job is a tough period in one's life.

The most important weapon you can have is self-knowledge, to know well your skills and what you like most to do. Then head in the direction of the companies that offer jobs in your areas of interest. You should also research on the companies you like before you approach them. Know what products and services they provide. 

If self-knowledge is a necessary component of success in job hunting, so is self-confidence.

The first task in job hunting is the preparation of a good selling resume and it should possess as much sales appeal as possible. It should begin with a short paragraph that summarizes the major accomplishments in your life. If your credentials warrant it, this section should portray an achiever with a strong and consistent record of accomplishment. It should make interesting reading for someone who has never met you. Many employers do not have the time to plough through a long resume, but if you catch their interest right at the start they might finish reading yours.

Your name, address and cellphone number should be at the top of your resume, then the short summary of your achievements. You should list your work experience, starting with the most current or the most recent position and continuing in reverse chronological order. Give your job title, the name and address of the company for which you worked, and the inclusive dates. Follow this with a description of your duties and accomplishments. In a separate category, list your education, special courses, and any free-lance credits and outside talents that earn you income. 

You should end your resume with a description of your marital status and number of children. Although by law you do not have to give this information, I personally feel you should.

If you know well-placed people who will give you references, be sure to ask their permission before you furnish their names and telephone numbers to anyone.

Almost as important as the contents of the resume is the way it looks. It should be letter-perfect, centered without even one typo error. Your resume should say you are proud of yourself, that you are quality material. If possible, ask your friends who are well-placed in business to go over your resume and listen to their comment.  Once the resume is completed, send it to prospective employers with a neat, brief covering letter asking for an interview.

You will probably be asked to fill out a standard job application form. In answering the questions during the interview, remember to project the same strong, positive self-image with which you filed the form. If you are asked the reason for leaving a past job, stress positive reasons such as "to broaden my experience" or to "add to my skills." Never write a negative such as "became bored" or "I could never get a promotion there."

No matter what the circumstances surrounding your interview, it is difficult and nerve-racking. You have to prepare well for it. You need to be clear-headed and clear-eyed, which means no late night parties the evening before. You should be perfectly groomed. Is your dress long enough so that when you sit down it won't ride way above your knees? If you are a man, is your shirt clean and properly pressed, the collar unworn or your shoes shined? Check your hair, your fingernails. A woman should take off any costume jewelry except for one simple necklace or a pair of earrings.  She should tone down her make-up and avoid heavy perfume.

If you have an early morning appointment, eat a good breakfast. Get up two hours earlier than usual to be unhurried and to have time to psych yourself into feeling you would be good for that company, or for that particular job.

Also when you hopefully finally land the job, you should call or write all of the people who gave you advice and helped you along the way to inform them of your good fortune. A little show of good manners never hurt a job applicant. (FREEMAN)