So you want a Job? An Employer's Perspective.

As an employer, I can tell you first that your timing must be appropriate. If I don't have any positions open at the time you are applying then there isn't anything you can do or say to make the situation different.  However, it doesn't hurt to put in your application regardless. If you're hitting the pavement and an employer tells you they are not hiring at the moment then at least ask to fill out an application. It is important to fill it out on site at that moment or else it may never get done. Once your application is filled out completely, attach your resume and hand it to the employee in charge.

You don't want to say okay and walk away because you never know what can happen. An employee may put in their 2 week notice that same night. Had you taken their word for not hiring, the next person who comes in may be hired on the spot. You never know.

The one thing I can't stand is when people call me on the phone to ask if we're hiring. I usually tell them to come in and fill out an application. I never tell them yes or no because if they are too lazy to take the time to come in then they are too lazy to be my employee.

Posting an add on Monster, Jobbing, Career Builder, etc. is very expensive. Most small/medium sized businesses are steering clear of these types of hiring sites or going more towards craigslist or backpage. I actually hate posting for jobs. I only post for a job if I'm looking for a specific position to fill and have a lot of time to fill the position. When I post an ad on craigslist I get 200-300 responses so it's extremely time consuming and something that I need to make sure I have hours to dedicate to.

In then end, if I'm looking for an employee I always look through returned applications first in hopes I can find some qualified candidates so I don't have to put any money towards a job posting. It also shows a little bit of effort from the applicants perspective. I admire applicants who take the time to physically make an effort to come see my business.

Just because I prefer applicants to come in personally, doesn't mean I don't ever post for a job online.  My preferred website is craigslist.

Here's what I look for from applicants who are applying:

1. Is there a cover letter?  A cover letter is very important to me.  Most people have 1 resume but a cover letter shows that the applicant took the time to write to me.  I like that.
   
2. Are there any grammatical errors?  I understand that not everyone is perfect.  Heck, I'm sure I have a few grammatical errors on my hubs.  However, please capitalize your letters in the correct place and don't forget to put some periods at the end of your sentences.  A very simple solution to anyone who is applying online would be to have someone proofread your resume and cover letter.
3. Don't forget to change your objective.  Too many times I have opened a resume to read in their objective that they are applying for something completely different.  I delete right away.  (Or save for a good laugh)
   

So now that you have applied it is important to follow up with the employer. If you have physically turned in application a very quick, polite, nice call may be noted on your application. I do this.

It is especially important to follow up if you have applied online. With the economy the way it is, you must understand that you are not the only person applying. A quick follow up may put you to the top of the list or land you an interview.

If you are applying for any position is it extremely important to be available. I may start my day with room to interview 15 applicants. If someone doesn't answer the phone, I will leave a message but I will not wait for them to call me back. If an applicant calls me back hours later then those 15 slots may have been filled.

Don't forget to change your ring tone and make your voice mail or answering service professional. The biggest turnoff was when I called an applicant and their ring tone sung, "I wanna be a billionaire so f%c*in$ bad....." or when I called another applicant and she said, "yo what up bitches, this is crazy Crystal, drop me a message." (true story)

Also, it is important that you are available to interview. I typically give my first applicants options but when it comes down to one slot open, if an applicant can not come at that exact time then unfortunately I can not waste anymore time with them. I will call the next applicant to see if they are available for Thursday at 1pm.

Remember, most employers will need to fill a position soon so they will not want to be bothered with call backs or reschedules.

You will want to make sure that you dress appropriately. There are pet peeves of mine and speaking with other business owners they have also agreed.

• Do not wear a tank top.
• Wear closed toed shoes. ( I could care less about your pedicure.)
• Never wear jeans.
• Take your piercings out for the interview. (I don't mind piercings but not in the interview.)
  
• Cover up your tattoos. (Again, I don't mind tattoos, in fact, I actually like them. Not in interviews though.)
  

Once your interview is scheduled it is critical to be on time. My advice is to always plan to arrive to your destination 30 minutes early. If you're early, hang out in your car and listen to music or read a book, then go into the establishment 5 minutes early. If there is a car accident or construction that was unexpected then you will be on time and there will be nothing to worry about.

When you are meeting with an employer here are some tips on first impressions:

• Smile
• Have a firm handshake. (Weak handshakes shows a lack of confidence.)
• Make eye contact.
  
• Admire their business.

During the interview I recommend not doing the following:

• Bringing your child.
  
• Asking about pay. (Save this until you receive an offer. If you ask too soon an offer may never come)
  
• Talking about how bad your previous job was.
• Telling your employer you can not work certain hours or certain days. (Even if you can't, this may show that you are not flexible. Once you are offered the position then that is when you can negotiate or simply request time off. Worst case scenario - YOU can always decline. For example, if I have two equally qualified employees and one of them tells me that they can not work Wednesday nights and the other one is completely flexible, I would more than likely hire the completely flexible one even if I am not hiring for Wednesday nights. My point? Don't shoot yourself in the foot too soon.

During the interview, you will want to be confident and tell the employer everything you CAN do. Never talk about or emphasize on the things you can't do. Don't worry too much about answering the questions perfect. For me, the official questioning isn't even half of what I consider.

A simple hand written thank you card is always a plus. I love this! After a thank you card it is important to keep looking and move forward. I have to admit, calling a bunch of times is completely annoying. By the time I am done interviewing I generally have an idea of who I want to hire for the position.

Again, keep in mind that you will not be the only one interviewing for the position. Don't take it personally if you do not get chosen for the position. It is extremely hard on an employer to decide who to hire if they have many good interviews. Just be confident and I can tell you that it doesn't hurt to apply again. This shows passion in the field and persistence.