Getting my foot in the Door for the First Interview

Getting my foot in the Door for the First Interview

Have you been in the job market recently? If you have, you may appreciate this article. Looking for new employment can be a daunting task, especially if you are not financially prepared to handle the time between jobs. So, what can a person do to be prepared to handle the stress of looking for a new job? Plenty!

Be Prepared: I know; we have all heard this a thousand times. First I will mention being financially prepared. If you are currently employed, live smart. Avoid gratification too soon. If your finances allow, do your best to save 10-15% of your income. This will require intense budgeting, but will pay off if the worst case scenario comes your way. Someone once said, if you lose your job, plan on one month for every ten thousand made in your salary to replace your income, so if you were making 40k/yr., plan on four months to replace that income.

Be Prepared: An education will only increase your chances of landing that first interview. When employers look at a resume, they not only take experience into consideration, but they will also carefully consider what type of an education you have worked towards. In the IT industry, employers want to be sure that possible hires can perform the task which will be required. Having the right education will give employers the confidence needed to bring you aboard.

Be Prepared: A continued education will also have the same effect on employers. It seems that industries and markets are always changing, and keeping up with those changes will set you apart from your competition. Always continue to learn and increase your professional skills, whether it is through certifications, internships, or simply through books, it is important to keep your head above water. If you go to work and are just cruising through the day, without challenging yourself, why couldn't you be replaced?

These are just a few things which can be done in order to prepare yourself for situations which will place you back in the job hunt. When you enter the job market, if you have performed the items discussed above, you may find the job search a little less stressful. It is never a wonderful situation to be in, but taking the right steps to prepare will give you the upper hand.

About the Author: Mike Allen is an Internet Marketing Specialist for TestOut. If you are seeking to further your education, TestOut wants to help. TestOut specializes in IT certifications such as MCSE exam prep and preparation for the MCSA certification exam to help you get your foot in the door for the first interview.