Getting the job

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - With first-time applications for unemployment benefits reaching highs not seen since immediately following the 9/11 attacks, many people are out looking for work.

We've all heard the phrase 'the devil is in the details,' and it's the little things that could sabotage your chances if you don't think about them in your job search.

Newschannel 3 is here to help with a special report on applying for the job and preparing for the interview.

You need to start with the resume, don't write a generic one, it won't set you apart. You may need two or three different resumes, you want to focus your resume on the job you are applying for, same with the cover letter.

"Each should be different, it should be directed to an individual if possible," says Western Michigan University Career and Employment Director Lynn Kelly-Albertson. "It should be directed to the organization and for the specific job you're applying for."

A lot of companies now want people to apply on-line, and Kelly-Albertson says to be sure to follow the employers rules, but there's nothing wrong with a follow up.

"Stating clearly, 'I have applied on-line, I have followed the process you indicated, but I also wanted to follow up with a copy of my resume and to state in my cover letter clearly how my skills, my accomplishments, my background, fit directly for this job,'" Kelly-Albertson said.

And there are some definite things you should be aware of. Make sure you catch any typos in written communication to a prospective employer, do not use your current work information as the best place to contact you, and make sure your references are up to date.

"If your reference doesn't know you're job searching," Kelly-Albertson said, "if your reference doesn't know where you are or what you're doing currently, that could be a major sabotage."

Current work references are critical too. Be sure they all have a copy of your resume and are aware of any jobs you applied for.

Then, there's the interview. Don't dress for the job, you haven't been hired yet. Kelly-Albertson suggests you buy a good suit, one that fits you well, works with your skin tone and gives you confidence.

Next, you need to think of what to say and get over the nerves.

"Not practicing will do you in," Kelly-Albertson said of job interviews. "Talk to yourself, practice smiling, not looking at your feet, not using your hands constantly when you speak."

She even suggests looking in the mirror to really see how you act, and when you're getting ready, it's okay to list and script out what you want to say.

Next Thursday, Newschannel 3 will talk about some important things to do after the interview.