Looking the Part

I don't know his name and he wasn't trying to be profound. A man who worked for one of my colleagues always showed in a shirt and tie with a simple explanation: "if you look business, you is business". His grammar was faulty, but his reasoning was letter perfect and so is its timing as young folks head into the job market, either to start careers or to find summer jobs.

There are a lot of cheap shots taken at today's youth, questioning their work ethic and their intelligence. I have more faith than that in young folks. Frankly, everyone who is my age needs to have more faith in you than that for obvious reasons. I want them to succeed, which makes the following useful information. If you're among the job-seekers, clip this article. If you're the parent of one, do the same thing. Make several copies. Put one in your wallet. Tape another to refrigerator. Put another on the dashboard. Refer to it often. This speaks to the biggest hurdle in getting a job ? the interview.

I have been interviewed and have done the interviewing, so take this as it is intended ? friendly advice to help you be hired. Some of the points listed will sound silly, but each has happened. None counted in favor of the applicant

? Don't bring an entourage. No parents, no friends, no significant others, and definitely no children. Just you. If someone gave you a ride to the interview, have them wait in the car.

? If you have a cell phone, be extra sure that it is turned off. Better yet, leave it in your car or with the person who gave you a ride.

? Remember the man I mentioned at the beginning? First impressions count. Ladies: no micro skirts, no low-riders, and no bare midriffs, no visible thongs. Trust me, ladies; too much skin will not get you respect. Gentlemen: pull your pants up to your waist and tuck your shirt in. Best bet is a shirt and tie.

? Cover all tattoos. The people interviewing you don't care that body art may be trendy, and chances are that their customers won't, either.

? Pierced noses, eyebrows, and tongues are not a good idea. Limit piercings to one in each ear for females, and none at all for males. After you get the job, you can always ask what is acceptable; some workplaces are more lenient but your focus here is to get hired.

? No unnatural hair color or off-the-wall styles. Blue streaks, purple highlights, and pink tints will not help. Also, be sure it's brushed. Most workplaces don't 'get' bed head. Come to think of it, I don't get it, either. After you're hired we can talk about it.

? If you're not sure how to address the interviewer, sir and ma'am always work.Yo, bro, dude, and man do not. Please avoid 'like', 'whatever', and 'you know' as much as possible.

? Offer a firm handshake before and afterwards, thank the person for their time, and look them in the eye.

? Answer honestly, even if it's to say that you don't know. No one knows everything. Are you willing to learn?

? If you're seeking a summer jobs, accept that it will probably involve nights and weekends. If you have legitimate extracurricular conflicts ? sports or band practice, volunteer activities, etc ? say so and also offer a way to work around them. Being involved makes you look responsible.

? Finally, no gum, no toothpicks, no lollipops, etc. I'll just say that you would be amazed.

Chances are your first job will not be glamorous. Nonetheless, someone will be paying you to do the work, so remember the following three truths. First, jobs exist because there is work to be done; no work is beneath you. Do it well and you'll move up. Second, be pleasant to be around; no one wants to work with crabby people. Besides, your boss today may write you a letter of recommendation for a better job tomorrow. Third, no one owes you a job; be on time, work hard, and show your employer he made the right decision. Good luck.

Alex Lekas is VP / Corporate Communications for an Internet services company, and father of two college students, both of whom he hopes will get hired.

CVs And Resumes Sometimes Just Get In The Way

As a head-hunter and Career Coach I see so many... Read More

The Six Figure Job Search

Before we start discussing how to search for a six... Read More

17 Surefire Ways to Annoy Potential Employers

Despite the President's encouraging words, the job market is still... Read More

A Bit of Pollyanna

"Stop being such a Pollyanna," a trusted, more experienced colleague... Read More

How to Evaluate Job Offers and Zoom In On the Right Opportunity for You

You've been successful in your job hunt and have received... Read More

Negotiate Better Job Offers with This Twelve-Point Checklist

You've been through an employer's interview process successfully and have... Read More

Negotiating Skills: How to Obtain the Salary You Want

Salary negotiating is an important topic that must be addressed... Read More

A Peek at Nursing as a Career

We need more people to choose nursing as a career.... Read More

Ask the Recruiter

We all have career goals, big or small. Here are... Read More

Mastering the Job Interview - 5 Tips to Make Yourself Irresistible to the Interviewer

So you've figured out, more or less what you want... Read More

How To Get A Job Fast

In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with... Read More

The Art of Selling Yourself!

To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More

Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?

Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I... Read More

Finding Success In Todays Job Market

This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Staying Active

Unemployment is depressing: financial pressures stress you out, looking for... Read More

How to Turn Career Mistakes into Career Wins

I recently talked with a client who was paralyzed at... Read More

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your... Read More

How To Type A Resume For Employers

Learning how to type a resume may feel like a... Read More

Resumes That Work: 3 Steps to More and Better Interviews

All of us involved with helping you get a new... Read More

Using Your Whine Factor

Brian's work was exceptional. Still, as his boss,... Read More

The Last Minute Interview

Your breath catches in your throat - at last, an... Read More

Resume Outline - Add Structure & Flow to Your Resume

Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More

How To Answer Your Call In Mid-Life

Hank Bochenski's story proves it is never too late to... Read More

The Myths of Career Change

Chances are you already have many ideas about what it... Read More

Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More