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Fill out your application completely. Do not simply attach a resume write “see attached resume”. |
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Use excellent spelling and penmanship. |
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Have all the dates, addresses and phone numbers you need with you. |
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Have your own pen, pencil and eraser. |
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Dress properly even if you are only picking up an application or dropping one off. |
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Keep a record of all contacts so you can follow up on your applications. |
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Be prepared for an interview when you pick up or drop off an application. |
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Use as many sources to find work as possible (friends, relatives, former employers, WorkWise!, newspaper ads, etc). |
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| Job Interview Checklist |
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Be ten minutes early to relax, review your notes and get prepared. |
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Go alone. Do not bring your friends, relatives, children or pets with you. |
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Dress appropriately (no heavy makeup, perfume, after-shave, or jewelry). Be neat and clean. Wear shoes and socks. |
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Smile, smile, and smile. Be enthusiastic, friendly, and courteous to everyone you meet. |
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Answer questions honestly and completely but do not talk too much. In a successful interview, the interviewer will talk 50% of the time. |
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Watch your body language. Sit up straight and confidently. Don’t fidget, don’t fold your arms, etc. Make good eye contact. Shake hands with confidence. |
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Do not ever speak badly about a former employer or any co-worker. |
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Don’t talk about personal problems, family problems, or money problems. Don’t ever say that you were “stressed out”. |
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Prepare for the interview by practicing questions with friends, at WorkWise! or practice with a tape recorder. |
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Know the basic duties of the job you are applying for and know about the company. |
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Be prepared to ask questions about the job duties and the company. Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits—that comes later, after they're interested. |
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| Employer “Pet Peeves” about Job Seekers |
| The Workforce Development Division (DLIR) surveyed a few of Kauai’s finest employers to determine their “pet peeves”, things past job applicants have done that remove themselves from contention for a vacant position. These are some reasons why an employer did not consider hiring an employee. We looked for “unusual things” that an employee might have overlooked, not basic job search expectations such as “dress appropriately” or “be on time”. Consider your own impressions when you are the job applicant...if you see yourself doing any of these “pet peeves,” take care to avoid them! |
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| Appearance |
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First impressions are very important. Look in the mirror, and take a last check of your appearance before contacting us or your potential employer about a job. |
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Avoid tattoos and body piercing anywhere visible except the earlobes. |
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Keeping hair away from the face looks more professional. Caps and sunglasses do not. |
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Did you brush your teeth and make sure nothing is stuck there? |
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Dressing for an interview is not dressing for a date. Avoid too much makeup, too much jewelry and clothes that are too tight or too revealing. |
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| Prior to the Interview |
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Avoid inappropriate or casual wear at any time, even when picking up applications. |
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Treating the office receptionist like she’s insignificant does not score points with the employer. |
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Leave friends and children at home during the interview and application processes. |
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Please respond to the ad as requested. If the ad says “apply in person”, then come in person. |
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How will you respond to employer messages? Please make sure the answering machine message is professional and that the person who takes messages for you is polite. First impressions start here! |
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| During the Interview |
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Have a good attitude! No “Genuine Aloha Spirit” was a common complaint among local employers. |
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Take care how you answer questions. Maintain good eye contact, speak clearly and leave the pidgin english at home. |
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Be attentive. Cell phones and or pagers beeping during the interview is not appreciated. |
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This is your chance for the employer to get to know you. Maturity and sincerity are appreciated, brown-nosing the interviewer and giggling when asked a question are not. |
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Have you done your homework on the company? If you don’t know anything about our company, we wonder “why are you applying here anyway?” |
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Your resume says you have “excellent communication skills,” but it’s the interview we remember. |
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Avoid answering questions with questions. For example: We ask applicants “What type of supervisor would you prefer?” and they answer “What would you prefer?” |
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Being overly enthusiastic and projecting a positive attitude goes a long way. |
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When asked a question that you do not understand, do not agree just for the sake of agreeing. Get clarification! |
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Rapidly answering interview questions without organizing your thoughts first. You get no points for speed...so take a moment, think about what you want to say. |
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Everything counts. One employer commented “a person wanted to shake my hand after he kept rubbing his nose throughout the interview!” |
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We want to know you. So avoid answering questions from the perspective of the employer. After all, we’re the ones doing the hiring! |
