Let's Be Frank

America on Demand will do everything possible to help you be successful. It's up to you, however, to take the right steps and do the right things in your job search. And frankly, lots of job seekers don't. They undermine their prospects for landing a great job by committing one or more of the following missteps.

  • If you have even a slightly risqué email address—for example, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it —no recruiter in the world will take you seriously, and your resume will promptly go into the reject pile. So, try something different; go to any site that offers free email and get an address that will set you apart in a positive light—for example, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

  • If your main mode of contact is a cell phone and that cell phone plays a tune before it announces that you're not available, get rid of it. Recruiters are very busy people and often will not wait for the song to end. Besides, they may not like your taste in music.

  • Whether you use email, a cell phone or a land line as your primary contact with recruiters, make sure you check it several times every single day. Most recruiters are working on several openings at one time, so they have little patience with delays or a lackadaisical attitude. To make a good first impression, return their messages and calls promptly, but only when you can devote your full attention to them.

  • If you have a profile on MySpace, Facebook or any other social networking site, make sure the words and images you've posted there will represent you in a positive light. Recruiters check such sites to obtain additional insight on a person's character and values, so be restrained in what you include, at least while you're looking for a job.

  • When corresponding by email with recruiters, don't forget to re-read what you've written and use your spell check feature. These messages are not notes to friends, but business communications, and recruiters will use them to evaluate your understanding of and commitment to good business practices.

  • When submitting a resume for a specific opening, don't engage in wishful thinking and don't think you can get by with little or no effort. You waste recruiters' time when you apply for a position where you're not fully qualified and that virtually guarantees you won't get an offer. Similarly, when you don't take the time to tailor your resume to the job for which you're applying, you greatly diminish and likely eliminate any chance of being considered seriously.

  • If you are invited for an interview, prepare carefully and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Arrive for the meeting on time, dress in appropriate business attire, answer questions completely but concisely, and ask the interviewer questions about the organization and the opportunity. Don't leave any room for doubt about your ability to contribute or your commitment to doing so.