Submit Job Applications Early in the Morning
You’ve proofread the job application until your eyes are bleary. You’re ready to send. STOP.
Don’t submit unless it’s a Tuesday from 6:00-10:00 a.m. in the hiring company’s time zone.
The timing of when you submit an online job application has a great deal to do with landing an interview, according to research by TalentWorks, a job-search startup. The researchers found that candidates who submitted their applications in the 6-10 a.m. window were five times more likely to score an interview, and those who sent in their applications earlier in that time frame received more offers for interviews than those who waited until closer to 10 o’clock.
The research also showed that after 10 a.m., the likelihood of landing an interview dropped by 10 percent every half hour. By 7:30 p.m., the chances of getting an interview fell to just three percent. Responding quickly was another indicator of success. Applicants who submitted within 96 hours of the original job posting were eight times more likely to be offered an interview.
The bottom line, the researchers found, is that timing may not be everything, but it sure helps.
From Payscale
No Callback? Fix What Went Wrong
That post-interview elation—knowing you nailed every question and had great rapport with the interviewer—can quickly turn sour if you don’t receive a call back and later learn you didn’t get the job.
While the circumstances that lead to not be hired are often beyond your control, you can improve your interviewing skills by following these pointers:
- Research the organization’s culture. Employers want to hire people who will fit into their organization’s ethos. Investigate the company’s values and culture before the interview so you can convince the interviewer you’d mesh well.
- Emanate confidence. Discuss your successes and be prepared to discuss specifics that highlight your skills.
- Ask questions, but only the right kind. Avoid questions about salary and benefits but do ask about the qualities common to successful new hires.
- Brush up on your video interviewing skills. Many first interviews are conducted through video-chat services. Practice in front of a mirror and choose a setting that makes you appear professional.
Experts also offer advice about what kinds of traps to avoid when interviewing. Using language that is overblown (awesome! incredible!) or lackluster (possibly… I might…), claiming to have no weaknesses, making excuses, or overexplaining can kill your chances of impressing a hiring manager.
From The New York Times
Body Language Speaks Volumes
The way you present yourself to the world—especially as a professional—will affect the way others perceive you. To show yourself in the best possible light, avoid these damaging body language habits:
- Appearing uninterested or distracted. Not paying attention is insulting. Resist the impulse to check your phone!
- Fidgeting. Even if you are jittery, stay still. Fidgeting makes you appear nervous and powerless.
- Frowning or not smiling. A glum face can appear aloof and off-putting. Smiling telegraphs confidence and warmth.
- Giving aggressive looks. A long stare will make the recipient feel uncomfortable. Instead, meet someone’s eyes for a heartbeat or two. for long glances.
- Making poor eye contact. Averting your eyes demonstrates disgust or timidity.
- Playing with hair. This bad habit is distracting and shows you are under stress.
- Poor posture is not only bad for your health; it can suggest a lack of confidence.
From Business Insider
