Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 26, 1992 TAG: 9201270174
SECTION: NEW RIVER VALLEY ECONOMY PAGE: 8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
COMMON SENSE CAN HELP LAND A JOB
Getting the edge in winning a good job isn't as much of a mystery as you may think. Plenty of people are willing to help you help yourself when it comes to landing that job.The Job Services Division at the Virginia Employment Commission in Radford, for example, puts out a brochure entitled "Tips For Finding the Right Job." It includes helpful hints for anyone looking for work, including how to plan your time, where to get information and how to write cover letters.
"This brochure is designed specifically for the purpose of helping someone land a job," said Jerry Barnett, job service interviewer supervisor.
Probably the most helpful hints are interviewing tips. Here's a sample.
Learn about the company's benefits and salaries before the interview. This will give you needed background on the company.
Learn about the job and what qualifications you have.
Have information with you, such as your work background and experience, and even samples of your work.
Find common ground with the interviewer, such as children or hobbies. This will make you both more comfortable.
Be enthusiastic about the job and express your interest.
Let the interviewer direct the conversation.
Speak positively of your former employer and co-workers.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Be flexible when it comes to salary - and don't name your price. You may oversell or undersell yourself.
When the interview is finished, ask when you might call about the company's decision.
"Additional training in a specialized field will also give someone an edge," advises Kathy Mantz, executive director of the Christiansburg-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. "Being freshly educated in the latest technology will help you in any market."
To hone your skills, or to learn new ones, workers in the New River Valley are lucky to have two universities and a community college where they can retrain or increase their knowledge about their current occupation, Mantz said.
Having your diploma or General Educational Development certificate also helps, said John Yearick, Corning's plant supervisor of employee relations and services.
"You have to be able to show that you have the ability to acquire skills, and then show what skills you have," he said.
As important as your skills is your attitude, Yearick added. He advised that anyone looking for a job should be motivated, industrious and reliable.
"You should show that you're willing to put in a hard day's work," he said, "and that you have good common sense."