Preparing for the job search
Now that you have prepared a resume and cover letter that are demonstrative of your abilities to perform this role, you are ready to begin contacting prospective employers.
Understand that looking for a job in this environment is a full time job and organize accordingly. Whether you are employed or unemployed, you will need to create a schedule for yourself so that you have set times when you will make your phone calls. This spreadsheet will help you in “identifying the universe” so that you methodically pursue your targets.
Identify your universe
Begin with creating a Spreadsheet/contact lists of every firm you are planning to contact with columns for the following information:
Name of firm
Name(s) of individual(s) contacted
Corresponding telephone numbers and extensions
Date you sent resume
Date of first follow-up call
Date of second follow-up call
Notes
This way when you do get a call back, you don’t have ask them where they are calling from or strain your memory to remember who they are.
This spreadsheet will enable you to systematically manage your job search process.
Preparing for the interview
You are the only person that can prepare yourself for an interview! You cannot rely on your recruiter, on the friend who referred you, or the human resources officer to do your homework for you.
You must do your own homework and be prepared to answer the following questions if asked:
Why do you want to work for this firm?
Know exactly what sets this firm apart from the competition?
How are they different?
What deals have they done?
Who is management, CEO, CFO, and corresponding corporate culture?
What do you know about the group with whom you are interviewing?
Why are you best suited for the sales group or the trading desk or corporate finance?
Know the business! Know about current trends, market share, rankings and competitors.
What are your strengths? And what are your weaknesses?
Top 5 Clichés Interview Answers
- I am a perfectionist
- I am too focused on my work
- I am a workaholic
- I work too hard
- I don’t have any weaknesses
Be careful of cliché answers like the examples above instead focus on:
1. Information-based skills: Acquired from education and experience (languages, degrees, training, selling history, and technical ability).
2. Transportable skills: Your portable skills that you take from job to job (relationships, communication and people skills, analytical problem solving and planning skills).
3. Character traits: Your unique qualities (dependable, flexible, friendly, hard working, expressive, formal, punctual and being a team player).
Business Etiquette
5 Questions you should never ask during a first interview
What is the compensation/bonus?
What is the benefits package?
What are the hours?
Who will report to me?
How many vacation days?
-Interviewing in an a social setting (lunch or dinner)
-Thanking your interviewers (the Thank You note)
Getting the interview
-Establishing initial contact
Email etiquette
-The Cover Letter
The follow up call ( Cold Calling)
Clear verbal communication
-Articulation
Get to the point
-Diction and pronunciation
US Regional and/or foreign accents
