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It's a question which has plagued jobseekers and lonely hearts for generations. Yes, even the male ones. Overdress and you run the risk of setting a standard that's impossible to maintain, sentencing yourself to months of power-dressing in unsuitable conditions before you dare to slip on that comfortable pair of denims.
Underdress, however, and your potential perfect match may take you for a slob at first sight. If all else fails, play it safe in business casual. And always remember the cardinal rule: Crocs are never, ever cool. How did it go? If this is the opportunity you've been looking for, it's yours for the taking. For one, they do not have a very good track record of success.
Many are simply trawling for people with key skills such as IT or programming. But, as I have advocated in this column since the beginning, matching skills is only PART of the process; other factors such as lifestyle, location, values, and environment are far more important in finding a satisfying career. In the case of personal ads, you only have to go out on one date to see if the person is a possibility. But, as they say, you have to kiss a lot of toads before you find a prince.
You can't do the same with jobs. Rather than kissing toads, it is better to go out and hunt down a prince from the start. Just like dating, the key to finding a great job and a great career is meeting people. Although some of the services I have described above may be helpful for some people in particular circumstances, for the majority of young scientists there is no substitute for networking , informational interviewing , and simply getting out there to meet people.
Maybe there's a conference in the field or industry that you are curious about.
Or maybe there's a professional society. You're more likely to learn more and make more contacts this way than by any remote service you can find. And who knows, maybe that cute investment banker you just had the informational interview with is single By Allison Miller Dec.
By Francis Aguisanda Nov. By Elisabeth Pain Mar. By Viviane Callier Dec.
Search Jobs Enter keywords, locations or job types to start searching for your new science career. In some disciplines, heavy drinking is part of the culture.
That can be a problem By Allison Miller Dec. Grad school depression almost took me to the end of the road—but I found a new start By Francis Aguisanda Nov.
Read more ways to develop job leads in our article, 10 Ways to Develop Job Leads. Just as with dating, the more you know about your prospective employer, the better you can position yourself as the ideal job-seeker for the job. Uncover as much information about the job opening as possible — including obtaining a copy of the job description. Using your newly found knowledge of the organization, craft a cover letter and resume strategically tailored to the job opening and employer. Using the employers own words to describe yourself and your fit with the position and the organization are essential ingredients to your success.
The job interview is like that first date, in which both job-seeker and hiring manager try to determine if there is a strong fit between the two.
Numerous factors are at work here that can lead to your success, including interview preparation, initial impressions, rapport and interview responses, and closing the deal. Interview preparation is essential. Understanding the questions you may be asked — and how to best respond to those questions — is key to your success. If possible, ask what type of interview to expect. Sit down and compose short stories or anecdotes to illustrate your responses to typical interview questions.
You must manage these impressions by dressing appropriately, making strong eye contact, offering a firm and dry handshake, and smiling warmly. Remember, too, to act appropriately with every person you meet before and after the interview. Once the interview begins, seek common ground while responding strongly to interview questions. Building rapport and showing fit are keys to success in the interview itself. As the interview concludes, and once you have had a chance to ask your questions about the job and employer, remember another parallel with dating… inquire about a second date.
In job-hunting terms, ask about the next steps in the process and if the hiring manager needs anything else from you to make a decision. You want to show interest assuming you have that interest without being overly aggressive. Booster your chances of success in the interview by reading this article: Have an initial telephone screening interview first?
Ever feel like the job hunt process is like dating? Here are the top five reasons job searching is like dating, plus helpful tips. Hannah Morgan offers 15 ways the rules for dating are very similar to the rules for a good job search.