Even if the interview was a complete disaster, show the interviewer that you are determined to get as much value out of this experience as possible. Ask at least one of these questions:

1. What did you like about my resume?
2. Why did you decide to interview me?

The first will offer you a critique on your resume. The interviewer can point out parts they liked (keep those!) and might make some suggestions. If nothing else, it’ll show them you really want to do your best at looking for jobs.

The second will remind them of all the promising qualities they saw in your resume (and cover letter) to begin with. It also ends the interview on a positive note.

Tip #50: Take advantage of the interviewing process to get a critique on your resume or to remind the interviewer why they asked to see you in the first place.

Thank you for reading these 50 tips. Please feel free to add to them by commenting on individual posts or in the “Your Tips” section.

And as always, I wish you the best of luck on your job search!

Cover letters are daunting (to me, anyway), but they give you the chance to leave a positive impression on potential employers in a way that 100 resumes just can’t do. A cover letter is a chance to let your voice shine through, to convince them that you are right for this job.

Do:

• One page long.
• Unless otherwise stated, always include one.
• Address it to a specific person if you can.
• Use active, not passive voice. (In case you don’t remember high school grammar, say “Jane threw the ball” instead of “the ball was thrown.”) On that note: PROOFREAD!!!
• Refer to the exact job you are applying for. You don’t know how many resumes this person is going to be looking at, for how many jobs. Better to be specific.

Don’t:

• Use a generic version. You want to tailor each cover letter to an individual position.
• Be short, sweet, and to the point.
• Unless otherwise asked for, don’t mention salary requirements.

Now, to actually write the thing. Start off with a short intro (1-2 sentences) about who you are (Awesome University graduate) and what job you are applying for. Then, sell yourself. Tell them about those great skills you have that they’re asking for in the advertisement, tell them how you’re going to be the best asset for their company, and why you want this job. Again, be specific! Then, thank them and give them a way to contact you.

Nothing to it….right?

Tip #49: Write tailored (and therefore effective) cover letters to include with your resume.

It’s not a crime to be nervous, but try to get a hold of yourself. You need to stay focused on what your interviewer is saying. You especially need to pay attention to the entirety of the questions asked of you. You don’t want to miss a crucial part of it!

Tip #48: Pay attention, and listen to the entire question before answering.

Don’t hug the wall. Go out and meet people!

Easier said than done, I know. It might help if you make a game out of it. For instance, if you talk to five new people, you win.

If you really like the event, go back to the registration desk or talk to the host/staff about volunteering at the next event.

It’s okay to be a little shy, but don’t be afraid to tell people you’re looking for a job. Everyone else there is too! (Or looking for a client or date.)

Tip #47: Get involved at networking events.

This isn’t a bar. If alcohol is served, limit yourself to one drink. Otherwise, drink water or soda.

Don’t stuff your face. You’re there to meet people, not eat the breakfast you skipped. Take only a few items at a time.

Keep cold drinks in your left hand so your right isn’t cold when you shake hands.

Learn the art of balancing glass and plate while standing or walking.

Free up your hands by depositing your empty plate at the used dishes stand.

Remember: empty glasses can be refilled or returned to the bar tender.

Tip #46: Eat and drink wisely.

Make sure to have some conversation starters on the tip of your tongue. Good questions include, but aren’t limited to:

• What’s your connection to [insert name of person, company, or group holding event]?
• Have you been to [name of event] before?
• What do you find useful from networking events like this?
• What do you do?
• Where do you work?

And, when all else fails:

• Seen any good movies lately?

Tip #45: Have questions ready.

After you’ve exchanged a card with someone and finished your conversation, take a moment to write down notes about the contact or conversation so that you can remember who they are.

When you get home, write the date and name of the event on the back of each card.

Send follow up emails to anyone who asked you to keep in touch. Do this within 24 hours in case they lost your card.

Note: Some people use virtual business cards, which they can transfer through their phones.

Tip #44: Write reminders on the back of new contacts’ business cards, and follow up quickly.

The all important name tag. The registration desk will either have pre-printed ones, or ones to make yourself. If you do have to write, here are:

Some “Duh” Reminders:

• Print legibly.
• No decorations, like smileys or flowers.
• Nicknames are okay.
• Keep your name tag where others can read it – not on your waist, not on the jacket you took off when it became hot, etc.
• Wear it on your right side so those who shake your hand can see it.

There might be a list of attendees. See if there’s anyone at the event you’d like to meet.

Some organizations have “ambassadors,” though the name can change, to make people feel welcome at the event. If you want, ask about this at the registration desk.

Tip #43: Stop by the registration desk to prepare for the event.

Going to a Networking Event!

Make sure you arrive on time, or a little before, so you can get your bearings.

Dress appropriately. If the invite didn’t say what that means, go for business casual at a bar or restaurant or business at a hotel or office.

A “Duh” Reminder:

• No jeans or t-shirts or tank tops or flip flops or pink hair dye or tongue piercings or …. yeah, you get the idea now, don’t you?

For more fun (but not necessarily bonus points) bring a friend! Not only can you be each other’s moral support, but you can introduce each other to people you might know.

Tip #42: Arrive at networking events with a friend, on time, and appropriately dressed.

When an employer offers to write you a reference, take them up on it sooner rather than later, when all of those warm memories of your good work are still fresh in their mind. The references don’t have to be tailored to a specific job. They can be generic “To Whom It May Concern” letters, that detail how awesome you were at what you did in your old job.

Tip #41: Get references from past employers sooner rather than later.