WHAT IF YOU DON'T GET THE JOB-WHAT NEXT?

Do it all again! But previous to doing so look back and try to find out what goes wrong. Don't expect the employer to tell you-although you might get lucky-for it no longer has any vested interest in you. This is where mock interviews can be extremely meaningful and where the comforting wisdom of people you trust is valuable. Often you will be your own best critic, and you only have to be strong enough to recognize your own mistakes.

Unprofessional Resume Preparation

There are a lot of bad resumes floating around out there, and oftentimes they are dependable for getting an unsuccessful job pursuit off on the wrong foot. A professional resume is more than just a well-formatted file. It needs a highly specialized style of writing and incorporates years of knowledge about the finer points of resume do's and don'ts. Computer programs that help you to get ready resumes can do a good job of formatting and help a little with wording. However, such programs basically can't supply the years of acquired knowledge an expert resume writer has. Consider having a professional built your resume. The benefits you gain over your competition are worth the investment, but make convinced you are fully aware of what is on your resume in case you are asked specific questions.

Lack of Skills and Experience for the Position

You must possess the qualities, skills, and experience for the position you are looking for. If you don't, be truthful about it. You will eventually get caught if you misrepresent your qualifications.

Poor Personal Appearance

Would you appoint a badly dressed applicant?  Or one who was badly groomed or dirty? A March 2001 CareerBuilder Inc. workplace survey exposed that almost three-month of U.S. workers agree those clothes and personal appearance influence employers' attitudes about their professionalism.  Be confident to shape up and be appearance-conscious prior to your interview. If you are unsure what appropriate interview apparel is, buy a book on company dress, or go to a large, upscale department store (in the city you are interviewing) and explicate you are interviewing for a job. Have them advocate something suitable. Even if you don't buy or accept their offer, you'll have an idea of what to wear.

Inability to Speak Clearly or Express Yourself; Inarticulate; Bad Grammar

Would you hire a person to meet and greet your clients who abused or defiled the English language? Communication quality is most important in the interview as well as on the job.

Expects Too Much Too Soon

"You have to work your way to the top" is a proven, time- honored philosophy that seems to have disappeared . . . at least in the expectations of a few. If you goal a position you are not suitable for, you won't get it.