Given the current uncertainty in the job market, we thought we’d share a few tips for job seekers.

If recent changes in your employment circumstances have affected your financial position, it might be a good idea to come and see us – and prepare a new household or investment budget.

Don’t stretch the truth

Once a hiring manager starts asking questions, she’ll quickly discover if the candidate has exaggerated his accomplishments.

Be focused

Don’t create one résumé and send it out to dozens of employers. Tailor your résumé for each type of job. It’s better to send out fewer, more targeted ones than to spam hundreds of hiring managers with a single all-purpose version. Using keywords that appear in the job advertisement helps.

Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes

Take the time to print out the document and review it on paper. Mistakes are much easier to spot that way. Ask a friend or mentor to look at it, too. If you can’t get it right on your résumé, why should a manager believe you’ll get it right on the job?

Showcase your achievements

Instead of listing your daily responsibilities, set yourself apart from the crowd by detailing your achievements. Use words likemade (describe what you earned for the firm), saved (how much money did you save for your employer?) and achieved (what you accomplished while you worked there).

Make clear why you want to work there

Many interviewees can’t articulate why they want the job. But that’s a key factor in convincing the hiring manager that you’re right for the position. Before the meeting, research the job and the company to figure out how your unique skill set will fit well with the job in question. Also, know as much as possible about the company’s mission and values, so you can explain how they mesh with yours.

Don’t talk negatively about a former employer

That makes you look bad and doesn’t do anything to forward your case about why you should be hired.

Avoid inappropriate dress

Men should wear a suit and tie and women slacks or a skirt with a nice top. This is true even if employees at the place wear business casual. You’re there to make an impression, so it’s better–and more respectful–to be the most over-dressed rather than the most under-dressed.

Don’t discuss salary too soon

Not on the first interview, and certainly not when you’re setting up the interview. That can quickly take you out of the running. The company may be willing to pay you more than you expected–but only after you dazzle them in the interview. Give yourself a chance to impress.

Ask questions

When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, always say yes. This shows you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity and have been thinking about how you will fit in at the company. Prepare questions before the interview. An easy one: Can you tell me about the characteristics of someone who held this job who was very successful? What about someone who held it who wasn’t successful?

Research the company

Never go to a job interview without having researched what the company does. First, visit the company’s Web site to read about its products, services and clients. Then visit the press section to see what news the company has made lately. When setting up the interview, find out who you’ll be meeting that day. Type the person’s name into an Internet search. You never know what commonalities you may find that can make conversation flow more smoothly.

If recent changes in your employment circumstances have affected your financial position, it might be a good idea to come and see us – and prepare a new household or investment budget.

If you’d like to make an appointment then please call our Joondalup Office on 9400 8400 or our Marmion Office on 9246 9055.

This article is based on “The Worst Interview And Resume Mistakes, And How To Avoid Them” by Tara Weis. It appeared in Forbes Magazine on 13/01/2009.

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