essential tips for job success

An important question to keep in mind as you write your resume is What did I accomplish in this job that someone else wouldnt have Thinking about the answer to that will give you some great talking points for your interview, as well.

If youre looking for a job while youre already working, let recruiters know that discretion is key. You can use an offer to negotiate within your own company, but be prepared Some employers do not take kindly to your interviewing with another company, and you could lose your current job.

The most common pitfalls in resumewriting not being specific about accomplishments, being too wordy, including a generic objective statement, and keeping college accomplishments on your resume for too long. And watch the small stuff, like typos in your correspondence with the hiring manager. Tiny mistakes can mean the difference between an interview and a rejection.

If your interview will be conducted over the phone, keep your resume and a list of talking points in front of you and a pen and paper handy to take notes. To make your voice clear and strong, stand up and smile while you speak. Some people find it helps to look at themselves in the mirror while they speak, but practice with a friend first to see what is best for you.

Do your research on the company beforehand, and come prepped with a few questions. Ask for the name of your interviewer, and research his or her background online. Then, when the interview is over, send a thankyou note immediately.

When asked about your weaknesses, dont pretend you have none or that your biggest weakness is perfectionism. Its a good way to get an eye roll from your interviewer. Think about your weaknesses before the interview, and how you are able to overcome them, so youre prepared for this common interview question.

The wait to find out if you got the job can be interminable, and its tempting to call and Email the hiring manager to check in. But a single thankyou note, and patience, are recommended instead.

If you get the job, its tempting to celebrate your new move, but now is not the time to burn your bridges. Leave your current job with grace, and youll be able to keep your old coworkers in your network. Give notice according to your company policy, and volunteer to help find and train your replacement. Finish your projects, and organize all of your loose ends so your coworkers can take over with ease. Work up until your last day.

Not sure what youre worth? Check websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary Scout to find out the salaries of comparable jobs, and use that information to negotiate your starting salary.

For your first week of work, be sure to ask questions and pay careful attention to the company culture. Get an outline of your bosss expectations for your first month in the job. And remember these four tips to make you an invaluable asset to your company Be