Hot List of Job Tips

My Fox Job Shop - Check out some of the expert tips that we've featured recently in Murray Feldman's "Job Shop" segments:

Don't Let Pessimism Hold You Back

Before hitting a job interview, it's important to boost your morale.  FOX 2 career coach Therese Marie Bolt says all successful job applicants have one thing in common. They have a positive outlook!  If you're down, don't let it show. Think of the opportunity that awaits. Think of how good you are as an employee. Think of how fortunate you are to even get an interview. Just make sure you boost your own spirits and show a positive attitude when it's important.

What They Check

Hiring managers are seeing more lies on resumes. It is better not to list something rather than to lie about it because they will catch you. Items checked the most include employment verification, educational background, degrees, references, credit history, driving record and court records.

Action Verbs

When putting your resume together make sure it reads fast, clean and impressive. You should be using action verbs. These are concrete, descriptive words that express your skills, experience and accomplishments. Tell them how you "advised" on a matter, "briefed" members of the management team or "charied" an event. These verbs put you in an authoritative role. For a long list of more action verbs from Quintessential Careers, visit www.quintcareers.com .

Do Your Research

You've probably heard that you should study the companies to which you apply, but you should also research the people. The job experts at Indeed.com say spend time on the company's Web site and learn as much as your can about the firm, but also find out who is interviewing and Google their names. If you know anyone who works at the company where you are applying, try to speak with them first for advice. Maybe you'll find a common link between you or people you know and the interviewer.

What Comes First?

When looking at a potential employer, try to find out what comes first in the company. Fortune Magazine says they have one of three top goals: Make either shareholders, customers or employees happy. Most successful companies try to make employees happy first. When that happens, it's a better work environment, and that usually means customers and shareholders are happier, too. How do you find this out? You might ask during the job interview who the company is trying to make happy.

Questions to Ask

When interviewers asks whether you have any questions for them, job experts say always answer in the affirmative. These are some of the inquiries that experts say are edgy but appropriate and thoughtful: How is your organization different from your competitors? What are the strengths of this company? What are your company's weaknesses? This tip comes to us from WorkSource.

Interview Questions

You never know what a job interviewer will ask, but you may want to prepare yourself for these questions: If you could live the last 15 years of your life over, what would you do differently? What are your long term goals and how do you intend to meet them? What does success mean to you and how do you measure it? They're tough, but now you have time to think about your answers.

Resume Mistake

Would you ever tell a job interviewer that you sometimes steal an hour or so from your employer to do personal things? You might be sending that message and not even realize it. Employers say they often receive a resume and the job applicant has listed their current work e-mail address. You want to avoid this because it sends the wrong signal that you're hunting for work on company time. Also, make sure your e-mail address sounds professional. Forget using something like daydreamer@whatever.com. That sends the wrong message, too.

Keep in Touch

Don't be afraid to follow up on a resume or interview, even if you're not offered a job. One manager recalls a job applicant that kept in touch by occasionally sending a card or calling from time to time with helpful information about the industry. He finally got a job a year later when an opening became available. Just make sure you're not being a pest.

Get a Late Interview

What time should you schedule your job interview? Some say plan for the end of the day or the end of the interview process. Being last will help leave a lasting impression. It will also help the interviewer focus in on areas they were not pleased with during prior interviews.

Career Portfolio

When going to an interview, some experts say come armed with a career portfolio. It can be similar to a scrapbook with highlights of your career. You might want to include some letters of praise and two or three projects you've completed. Show how you planned those projects and make them detailed with cost analysis and savings you achieved or maybe goals that you met or beat.

Retirement Jobs

A lot of people over the age of 50 tell us finding a job is difficult. If you're finding yourself in this same predicament, you might want to check out a Web site called RetirementJobs.com. They have several positions listed by zip code and job title. We typed in "manager" and found more than 100 jobs in healthcare, technology, sales, banking and more.

How They Find Workers

How are Michigan companies finding people to fill jobs? The latest survey from the American Society of Employers finds 90-percent say they source workers through the internet. 88-percent say they use employee referrals, which is why you should be networking.

Proof Read Your Resume

Proof read your resume before sending it to potential employers. Experts suggest reading it aloud. Look for sentences or words that are repetitious and vague sentences that don't have a clear point. Streamline your writing so that it is crisp and clear.

At the Interview

When you go to an interview, be prepared to talk about the job and your qualifications. Expert James Sweeney says you can bring written notes, if that will help you stay focused. You should also make a list of questions you have about the company. Don't be afraid to refer to that list during the interview. It may even be a welcomed sign to the interviewer. By knowing what you're getting into, you can provide the hiring manager and yourself a honest and forthright conversation that will benefit you both.

Computer Usage is a Skill

You'll be asked about your skills when you apply for a job. A lot of people forget to mention their computer experience. List any special education you have received, as well as the programs with which you have familiarity and all other computer related talents.

Behavior Questions

You could face a behavioral question in your next interview. The nature of the inquiry won't be hypothetical. They want to see how you actually behaved in a real life situation. Give an example of how you used logic to solve a problem. Describe how you handled an interrupted schedule and implementing an unpopular decision.

Resume Rules

Employers get tons of resumes, more than they can really examine carefully. Hiring experts say they look through resumes to see which ones they don't have to consider. Make sure yours is targeted specificaly to the company and the job. That means you may need a different resume every time you apply for a position.

Call Yourself

Before phoning a company to apply for a job, call yourself first and leave a voice mail. Listen to your message through the ears of the employer. Is there energy, anger or pleasantness in your voice? Finally, answer the following question: Would you want to bring "you" in for an interview? If not, work on your verbal skills. This tip comes from FOX 2 Career Coach Therese Marie Boldt.

Don't Arrive Too Early

You've heard not to be late for a job interview. However, you don't want to arrive too early, either. Robert Half Internationals says wait in your car or outside the building if you arrive more than 15 minutes before an interview and use the time to prepare. Then, head to the restroom to check your appearance one last time. Aim to be in the company's lobby about five minutes early.

Phrases to Use & Avoid in Your Resume

According to the professional networking Web site "LinkedIn", you should remove these overused phrases from your resume: "track record", "fast paced", "due diligence", "cutting edge" and "results oriented". Instead, try to include the following power words: "arranged or improved", "trained", "generated", "created", "presented" and "supported".