Job Hunting? Try These Tips From Elk Grove Employers

Job hunting is truly a full-time job, especially in today's market. There are so many applicants for every open position these days, it's hard for job seekers to stand out. This can definitely be discouraging. 

For this special edition of Help Wanted, we talked to a few local employers and gathered up 10 tips that you can keep in mind to help you set yourself apart from your competitors. 

The experts:

Bodeen Ganhutagamgid, General Manager, Lazy Boy Furniture 

Leslie Nye, Associate Director of Career Services, DeVry University

Matt Ryan, General Manager, Niello BMW Elk Grove

Their tips:

1. Don’t apply for any positions that you clearly know that you are not qualified for. Not only are you wasting your time but you're wasting the employer’s valuable time as well. 
2. Spend time writing a relevant cover letter. Do your best to impress the recruiter reviewing your application by adding a cover letter customized for the company and position. It will help you emphasize your interest in the company you are applying for. 
3. Tailor your resume. The more tailored your resume to the position and the better prepared you are to talk about how your strengths can bring value to your prospective employer, the more confident and poised you will be during the interview, leading to a professional, competent impression with the interviewer. 
4. Show some personality on your resume, but don't go overboard. Add a couple of "points of pride" to your resume, such as Awards and Recognition or Interests (e.g., volunteer work). The recruiter may read hundreds of resumes and applications at a time. 
5. Remember to make your first impression count.  Start with a nice firm handshake and dress the part. "As a sales organization, we look for people with outgoing and warm personalities," says Ganhutagamgid. "If we can't envision you working for us from the beginning, it may not be a good fit." 
6. Do your homework. Make sure to research the company you are interviewing with (online and in person) before your interview. 
7. Be prepared. Bring extra resumes, paper and pen to take notes with, reading glasses, etc.  Impress your interviewer by writing down some questions relevant to the position before you arrive for your interview. 
8. Understand the position. Strive to get a clear idea of the position's responsibilities and how the role contributes to the organization’s success.
9. Be persistent. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. 
10. Stay positive.  It may not be your dream job, but you will get a job.