Are you still searching for that dream job you’ve always wanted? You know – the one that you can’t stop thinking about and keeps you awake at night?

We know the hiring process can be long and tedious. Going through countless interviews, constantly rewriting and editing your resumes, and drafting professional but “inspiring” cover letters can get old.

But, hope for an easier job search is not lost according to our trusty Education Division Manager, Joey Rodney, who has interviewed hundreds of candidates with us at Alignstaffing.

Before you hit ‘apply’ on that next job, we recommend you read Joel’s advice on what to do and what to avoid during the recruitment and interview process.

Resume Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Keep your resume up to date. It may sound simple, but one of the best ways to catch an employer’s eye is to keep your resume current. That way, the resume looks polished and smooth and also helps recruiters make placements more quickly.

Do: Emphasize your specific skill sets from previous jobs. Listing your day-to-day duties and skills helps the employers learn about your strengths, and the environments in which you feel most confident and comfortable. This way, they can immediately picture your performance in their office.

Don’t: Make the employer have to search for certifications. Certifications are some of your most important assets, so flaunt them! Don’t worry too much about modesty. Your certifications should be displayed clearly on your resume, making sure it’s clear to your potential employer exactly how skilled you are. Try making a subheading for your certifications.

Don’t: Rush through your resume or other online applications. Make sure your resume and applications are showcasing the best aspects of you! Be meticulous and careful – no spelling errors or grammatical inconsistencies.

Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Prepare answers to potential questions. Normally, the first question most interviewers ask is, “What are you doing now?” Having a good answer that involves explaining why you want to leave your current job is key. Also, preparing your answers to questions in advance gives you more confidence and preparedness at the time of the interview.

Do: Explain any potential red flags in your resume. Do you have a low GPA, gaps in your resume, or are often switching jobs? Do not hide these things from your potential employer. Taking ownership and explaining the inconsistencies in your resume during your interview will only help you. By doing so, the employer can better understand you and your past, and will respect your candid honesty.

Do: Study before the interview. Sometimes when you are applying for jobs, it can be hard to keep track of all of the positions and roles you have applied for. However, it’s extremely important to be familiar with the role and the company for which you are interviewing. Research the organization’s history or surrounding community and come prepared with questions that relate to their customer base or their future growth. It shows that this is not just another interview for you, and that you are seriously interested in the job.

Don’t: Assume that you know the interview attire. Ask the interviewer how you should dress. It’s awkward to show up in a suit for a casual interview, or to dress too casually for a formal interview. (However, always dress to impress.) Asking about the attire can only benefit you and it shows that you really care.

Don’t: Wait until the last minute to get ready for your interview. Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, give yourself enough time to be prepared and calm your nerves before the interview starts. Nothing is more stressful than worrying about being late.

Application Do’s and Don’ts

Do: Stay organized. You’re likely applying to lots of job openings, so make a folder in your email for all of your job applications and responses. This should reduce your overall stress during the process, and help you manage interviews with ease.

Don‘t: Get down on yourself or upset if you don’t hear back from your potential employer immediately. People are busy and just because you don’t get a quick response doesn’t mean that they are not interested or that the position is not going to work out!

How our team can make this process easier: 

We might be a little biased, but our specialized recruiters can efficiently place you in a position that aligns with your interests and works around your schedule. We are also lucky to have many partnerships spanning Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia which has helped us match hundreds of candidates easily with clients in their ideal location. And if you’re not sure what qualifications you need for your dream job, we can help you get certifications or enroll in training programs to get on track.

One last tip…

Remember, the job search can be stressful, but it can also be exciting. Stay focused, confident, and eventually the right job will find you!