| Contacts and Location | Job Banks and Links | Information for Employers | Employment Opportunities |
|
|
|
Creative Employment Access Society Eligibility for Other Programs
|
Beware “The Gatekeeper”“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. This is especially true when applying for a job. So what should you know about approaching a potential employer in person?
Often the person you will hand deliver your resume to is the receptionist or “gatekeeper”. Companies may rely on their front line staff to note their impression of people when they are apply for a position. If you take the time to smile and be friendly to the receptionist, that information will be noted and passed on to the person doing the hiring. Who knows, the person you hand your resume to could be part of the interview/selection team! How you treat “just the receptionist” can indicate how you might interact with customers/clients and other staff. In a recent survey commissioned by Robert Half International, 91% of executives said they consider their administrative assistant’s opinion of job candidates an important part of the selection process. Good manners never go out of style.
When you are doing cold calling, always dress as if you were going to an interview. While you may think that you are just leaving a resume with the first person you see, it could be the boss that sees you come in the door. If you look like you took the time to dress appropriately for a job search, you will make a good first impression. One major chain makes it policy that anyone dropping off a resume must give it to a manager. If you show up in your “I’m actually off to the beach” clothes, it doesn’t send a message that you are taking your job search seriously! Those first impressions will be noted and play a big role in the decision to even read the resume after you walk out the door. Never under estimate the power of that first impression.
Once you have landed an interview, there are some things to keep in mind when you arrive for your appointment. Receptionists are usually well informed about their business and you may get helpful information about the position you are applying for and/or the person who will be interviewing you. If you are discourteous to the receptionist or anyone else in the company, chances are the interviewer will know about it before you even shake hands and it will have a negative impact on your chances of getting the position. Treat the “gatekeeper” with courtesy and respect when applying for a position with any organization, and it will not go unnoticed.
Check out other articles on our web site that talk about “dressing for success” and “interviewing” to help you with your job search. Drop in and see us at The Job Shop on 4th Street Monday through Friday. |