7 Ways to Guarantee (and Keep) Your First Job

You may have taken computer courses, been coached by an instructor or job coach at an employment service or even friends have given you the basics when it comes to interviewing. While remembering not to chew gum (or anything for that matter) and keeping "Umm" out of your end of the conversations is a start, it is not like the art of selling yourself. Many job seekers mistake selling with rehearsed lines of interview etiquette that go back decades like, 'I really get along well with others'. While this is not a bad thing to do, you don't want to waste the employer's time sounding like a robot. Even if you don't get the job, your originality in interviewing could leave such a great impression that you may considered for another position within the company if you don't get what you originally had your eye on.

1) Get a thesaurus to find positive (and truthful) words that describe your basic personality and work habits. Making a lovely presentation that does not live up to its promises is shady and sometimes basis for a lawsuit. So be realistic and don't be afraid to re-word clichés such as', "I tend to overwork myself when assigned a duty."

2) Multi-task. Sometimes this takes a year or two to really master but you probably do it in your everyday life. In the morning, do you prepare breakfast while the coffee is brewing? Make phone calls while opening your mail? Those are everyday examples of how two or more things can be done at the same time. It's just a matter of learning how to gauge your time and not acting in haste. Also, keep communications open with co-workers about use of equipment like the fax machine or copier as the both of you will appreciate the fact that time may not be lost waiting for someone else to finish a duty.