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20 Tips for job seekers from companies that are hiring immediately

Every day you hear about more and more layoffs and cutbacks at companies around the world. However, many companies are actively hiring new employees. It is more critical now than ever before, to be organised and prepared if you are searching or applying for a job since competition for all available jobs is at an all-time high. Below you will find some useful job search and interview tips from actual companies that currently have 100 or more positions available for immediate hire.

 

20 Tips for job seekers

1. Randell from Southern Company Services

  • Make a list of companies that you would like to work for.  Call the companies on your list and find out if there are specific dates and times they are accepting applications and ask how you can get a current job posting list.

 

2. Tony from AT & T

  • When you go to apply for jobs be sure to go early in the day. This will make a good impression and give you time to complete applications, have interviews, take tests, etc.

 

3. Eric from Belk, Inc.

  • Write down all employers you contact, the date of your contacts, the people you talk to and individual notes about your contacts.  Follow-up is the key to finding a job in a down economy.

 

4. Jasmine from Randstad Staffing

  • Be prepared. Have a “master application” and resumes, pens, maps and job information with you all the time. Who knows when a “hot lead” will come your way.

 

5. Natalie from Wachovia Bank

  • Follow up leads immediately. If you find out about a job late in the day, all right then! Don’t wait until the next day. Someone else may have your job by then.

 

6. Robert from Bank of America

  • Networking is Key. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Stay in touch with friends and contacts. Follow up new leads or possible connections immediately.

 

7. Debbie from Walmart

  • Be available to work as often as they need you and whenever they need you. Open availability is a huge plus, especially when applying for retail positions.  If you apply for a job and right from the beginning, you have schedule limitations it could move your application right to the bottom of the pile.

 

8. Tiffany from Justice for Girls

  • Be yourself, dress professionally and appropriately for the position you are applying for.  For instance, if you apply to work in a retail clothing store such as Justice for Girls, then you would want to show up for your interview dressed in modest but stylish clothing that reflects you know current fashions.  You would want to demonstrate you have good communication skills and enjoy working with the public.

 

9. John at UCLA

  • Research each company you are interviewing with.  Visit the company’s website, make a note of key points about the company and list contacts name.  Google the company and the person you are interviewing with if you have their name. Visit their Linkedin and Twitter profiles and write down things you want to remember.  During your interview find an appropriate way to demonstrate that you have done your research about the company.  This lets the employer know you are interested enough in the position to have taken the time to find out more about them.

 

10. Alan at Bass Pro Shop

  • Don’t apply for a job at a company where you would not enjoy working.  If you don’t enjoy shopping, fishing or outdoor sports, you shouldn’t apply at a chain store like Bass Pro Shops.  Customers don’t want to buy fishing poles from people who hate to fish.  You might be able to “fake it” short term, but ultimately, you won’t be happy at work, and your customers and employees will sense this.

 

11. Raymond at Marvins, Inc.

  • If you are a student with no prior work history, make a list of your hobbies, clubs you belong to, or sports you’re involved in.  Include church and school activities, and things that interest you. List things you are good at or have a unique ability for. Your list may look like it has nothing to do with job skills or experience at first but that’s ok. The purpose of this list is to make you think about your interests and the things you do in your everyday life. Look at the first item on your list. Think about the skills or talents it takes to do that item. Think about it! All hobbies, activities, etc. take a lot of skills, knowledge and abilities. Write them all down. If playing some team sports is on your list your skills, knowledge and skills might be something like ability to interact with others, skills in directing others, excellent communication skills, or if you have been a homemaker, and this is your first time seeking employment your abilities and skills may be something like, Ability to manage budgets and multiple tasks, skills in teaching and training others.  Everyone has talent and strengths in certain areas, find out what those are and use them to secure a job.

 

12. Kellie from Cracker Barrel

  • If you have an interview for a job at a restaurant, visit that location or another one of their places as a customer.  Get a copy of a takeout menu and learn about the food they serve.  If possible ask the person helping you or seating you about the work environment.  Google the company and find out about their benefits and company policies and see if there are any negative comments from employees or customers.  This could also apply if you are using for a sales position in a retail location.  Visit one of their stores and familiarise yourself with the what the store sells.  Visit their online store.  When you go to interview for an opening, you will be much better prepared to discuss the position if you have some first-hand knowledge about the company.

 

13. Ryan from Marriott

  • If you’re applying for a job that requires a resume, you should always write a cover letter to accompany your resume.  In your cover letter be brief and to the point. Tell how your job talents will be of benefit to the company, give them a reason to look at your resume and never forget to “Ask for the Job”.   Employers receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters each day.  Make yours stand out!

 

14. Diane from Trinity Health

  • Your resume should be one page.  Be positive. Identify accomplishments in short, concise sentences.  All copies should be formatted and printed correctly in black ink.  Check each copy for smudges or errors.  Have someone else read over your resume and remember the computer spell check is not even 100% accurate.

 

15. David from Transcare

  • Dress for the interview and the job. Don’t overdress or look too informal. Don’t show up looking hungover, strung out or disorganised. To make an excellent first impression show the potential employer this interview opportunity means enough to you that you are prepared and on time.  If possible, drive to the interview location the day before, so you will know where you are going.  Nothing ruins an interview like being late or showing up stressed out.

 

16. Brittney from Geico

  • Visit an am employer’s online career centre.  Most companies have a job board or an online career centre.  Check their calendar of events for job fairs or other hiring events.   

 

17. Mark from Eli Lilly

  • Always speak positively of former employers and co-workers no matter why you left even if you were fired from your last job. Employers want to hire productive, positive individuals. There are ways to explain a situation without sounding negative or vindictive.  

 

18. Susan from Time Warner

  • Never ask about salary or benefits.  Let the employer lead into any conversation about benefits. Your focus on these items can send a very negative signal to your potential employer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things that you need to know but do not make them the focus of the interview.  When discussing salary, always be flexible and avoid naming a specific wage. If you’re too high, you risk not getting the job. If you’re too low, you undersell yourself. Answer questions on salary requirements with responses such as, “I’m interested in the job as a career opportunity, so I’m negotiable on the starting salary”. It is ok to negotiate, but don’t ever sell yourself short.   

 

19. Kevin from Verizon

  • Close the interview effectively.  If the employer does not offer you a job on the spot or say when you will hear from them, ask what their time frame is for making a decision.  Make a note of their answer and be sure to follow up with them within that time frame.  If the employer asks you to call or return for another interview, make a written note of the time, date and place. Thank the employer for the interview and reaffirm your interest and qualifications for the job.  Mail them a handwritten thank you note that same day.  

 

20. Tina from Oracle, Inc

  • Be prepared for pre-employment tests.  If a potential employer requires you to take any pre-employment tests, make sure you prepare for them.  You can’t study directly for aptitude tests. But you can get ready to do your best by taking other tests. Look for tests or quizzes in magazines and school books or sample test online. Set time limits. Most cell phones have a stopwatch feature.  By taking tests, you learn about the testing process. This helps you feel more comfortable when you are tested.  Brush up on job skills. For example, if you’re taking a typing test, practice typing. If you’re making a construction test, review books and blueprints.  Get plenty of rest the night before, eat a good meal, and go to the restroom before taking any test.  Do everything possible to help you relax and focus.