Tips for Being Noticed By Employers

There’s so much more than just putting yourself on a piece of paper.

Although I have been out of the ‘normal’ working world for a bit as a Holistic Practitioner now in Private Practice, I did own my own small business and I was a manager in a hotel. Also, I have recently been applying for jobs myself every so often to see what is out there I might be interested in.

For starters, the obvious, résumé.

Now I know the title is about more than what you are on paper, but you need to try and reflect that on your résumé, cover letter, and actual application first and then we will get to the other good stuff.

Résumé

Clean, organized, and specific. We want to show not only our experience and education/training, but more importantly our expertise and relevant skillset to the position we are applying for.

Cover Letter (Letter of Interest)

I know, I know … you’ve heard it a million times … ‘sell yourself’. Although it is true, I think this is a great opportunity to express why you are interested in the position and how it applies to your skillset (or perhaps desired and in process skillset).

Actual Application

Perhaps the actual most important part of the paper process is completing the application in full. I know, it’s kind of ridiculous (as well as a bit redundent) to have to have a cover letter, resume, aaaand fully complete the application, but it tells an employer a lot about you … or doesn’t.

Nowadays, employers go straight to this first — depending on the organization. In fact, with online application and computer scanning, you might not make it past this part if you do not do your due diligence and put your best foot forward, so make sure you have had a pedicure recently!

Speaking of pedicures…

Nooooo, I’m not saying you have to go get an actual pedicure, but rather than the age-old ‘trim the fat’ metaphor … how about remove the dead/excess tissue/skin…

Much like a pedicure, you want to exfoliate and trim the dry dead unhealthy looking and feeling skin — it’s not that it didn’t serve a purpose in the past, but what do you need to perhaps clean-up and present differently to best suit the needs of the job you are applying for?

For instance, those part-time and/or season/contract jobs while in school or in between jobs. Or let’s say you have 20 years of work experiences at 12 different places, do you really want all that on your résumé and/or application?

It can be overwhelming to have all of that laid out on a sheet or two of paper — save that for later.

NOW, for the exciting part!

Presenting Yourself Off the Paper

Once again, let’s start with the more obvious…

HOW YOU LOOK.

I don’t mean are you a super model. I mean, take time and pride in presenting yourself — studies show that it matters, and as a hiring manager more than once, I can tell you it is absolutely true!

Ever hear the expression “don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want.”?

Well, if you are a top executive looking to change careers and become a fitness instructor, it wouldn’t be appropriate to come to the interview in your best Armani suit — it gives the wrong impression and can automatically set you up for failure. That doesn’t mean you dress like crap, but bring it down a few notches.

For me, I try to dress nice yet comfortable — I enjoy dress clothes but I personally do not sacrifice comfort for style or too much visa versa. I try to dress appropriately for the job in which I am applying for, whatever that might appear to be, as well as for my body type. Hair is clean and well groomed — trust me, being groomed is a big deal in all kinds of social setting and job interviews are absolutely no exception!

Etc. ect. etc. I am sure many of you know these things and then some. Let’s move on.

A Portfolio!

Now, remember that pedicure you had previously?

It might feel like we have devalued our past experience and ‘dead tissue’ as unimportant, as if it no longer serves who you are today, but we all know, I think, that everything adds up, including all those past experiences. Well, here’s where and how you can set yourself apart in an interview…

I have a portfolio that has not only my training, education, certificates, etc. in it, but also my résumé, the current job of interest letter, references and reference letters, aaaaand all my past work experience including details about the job and job responsibilities etc..

Now, this is by no means something that is necessary, but I think it is a nice touch and definitely sets you apart from most other applicants.

Check your attitude at the door.

Good advice for life perhaps, but especially while trying to present your best self as well as get as honest and true a gage yourself — don’t forget, this is your interview too, meaning you are also making sure They are a good fit for YOU!

Regardless of how much we have or are aware, we perhaps all have biases and it is important to try as best we can to come into a new situation with new people and opportunites as clean-slated and open-minded as possible. Now, that does not give anyone or thing free-reign, so pay attention.

Pay attention to how you feel in the moment and if you are being triggered/provoked righteously or not. Don’t be afraid to be spunky and yourself, but I would make sure that you draw the line with a friendly professional and respectful attitude — you will know whether or not it is a good fit for you, and better for you and your integrity to stay in-tact. Plus, you never know who they know or speak to that may cost you a future opportunity that you do want — so, keep it tidy.

~Side note here. My husband has an amazing gift where he is extraordinarily professional, kind, and respectful while also being able to be assertive but not an asshole… if you can manage this — huge kudos to you! It is NOT okay to be treated poorly by anyone in any situation, and if you can do what my husband does I am both proud of and profoundly jealous of you. You Effing Rock! ~

With that said …

Bring your energy! Bring your authenticity! Bring your Uniqueness, your spunk, your skill, your passion, your quirckiness, your drive, your ambition, your curiosity, etc.!

Be authentically beautifully wonderfully you!

If they don’t like who you are, then trust me, you aren’t super likely to be happy there — although, not necessarily. There are always many factors and exceptions, and sometimes in order to Create Change, we have TO BE that Change — bring it!

You are incredible, show them!

Be Prepared!

For starters, show-up on time and always have additional résumés (andcover letters) on hand — especially if they have been recently updated since your application.

Secondly, try to go in knowing about the company/organization for which you are applying. Do your research — it shows not only initiative, but also interest as well as maturity and even dedication to a job well done.

Thirdly, have questions prepared and I might even add, write their answers down. Once again, this shows a true interest in the job as well as a level of engagement not often seen in an interview.

Lastly, … I don’t remember… but something else, stay calm. This is just as much about You determining if you even want the job — put the pressure back on them. You are an awesomely outstanding kickass human-being, and they should have to show/prove to you that They are worthy of You!

Do you want the job?

Then show it! Show your excitement and enthusiasm! Showing your interest is not being desperate.

Why would I want to hire someone who doesn’t show genuine passion for the job?

Think about people in your life and/or experiences you have. Who would you rather spend your time with, personally professionally or otherwise, someone who is energetic, engaged, enthusiastic, etc., or someone who ‘gets the job done’ but makes it a chore for themselves and/or for you?

Think about someone draining your energy like a vampire rather than someone who uplifts your spirit. Be the cherry on top of that amazing hot fudge Sunday!

Check-in

Bring attention to your name and application by reaching out after applying for the position, and again after the interview. Timeframe on this can easily vary depending upon the position, organization, when the posting closed, etc., but a good rule of thumb is 1–2 weeks.

Oftentimes, life is busy and we can become distracted and/or have short attention spans. Checking-in is not only to show them you can maintain your focus and attention as well as your interest in the position, but also reminds you to maintain your focus, energy, and attention to what you want. Bring that intentional vibration forward, let the universe know what you want!

Just remember, your job does not define you. You define you. Your actions, how you choose to show-up every single day in this world, how you treat others regardless of who/what may or may not be watching, how you live your life in balance with yourself, the universe, and your authenticity, etc. … Stand proudly my friend, you are much more beautiful, special, and capable than you know.

To Your Health, Happiness, and Well-being. With Love, Light, and Blessings ❤

Your Idealistic HolisticNerd ~ ❤ Mind ❤ Body ❤ Spirit/Soul ❤ ~

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