employment history, you can either say, “Will discuss at interview” or
address the issue head on. “I was terminated for absenteeism because I
had car problems but I now have reliable transportation and can be at
work on time every day” tells the employer that you realize how
important good attendance is.
Dress for success, smile,
and always be prepared.
According to employers, following that advice
will give you the edge over other job seekers. The
Western Maryland One-Stop Job Centers recently
completed a survey of Western Maryland
employers representing a variety of industries and occupations and ranging
from small to large. The survey covered many key job search activities.
Their best advice.....
Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Keep your resume short and professional looking.

Highlight skills that are relevant to the job. Don’t overstate your
qualifications.

Ask someone to proofread your resume – “never have spelling or
grammar errors.”
Pay Attention to Your Appearance


When asked to give their best three pieces of advice for job seekers,
employers put appearance at the top of the list. “Dress appropriately –
neat, clean, and clothes appropriate for the job” said one employer.
Shorts, t-shirts, hats, body piercing, chewing gum, and cigarettes were on
the “leave at home” list. A good first impression, even with the
receptionist, can make a difference. An Internet job search newsletter,
About Career Planning, suggests that if you’re not sure about how to
dress, you may want to go to the employer’s parking lot at the beginning or
end of a shift and look at how the employees dress. When you drop off
your application or go for an interview, dress a little better than the
employees you observed.
Project a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude is just as important as how you dress. Eager,
enthusiastic, confident, polite, sincere, courteous, and personable were
common adjectives in the employer responses.

Look the employer in the eye, smile, and give them a firm handshake.

Even when you are just asking for an application, it’s important to be
perceived as a “go-getter”. You may get an interview on the spot.
Be Prepared to Complete a Job Application

67% of the employers surveyed said they screen out applications that are
incomplete. Take time at home to write down your previous employment,
job title, address, phone number, and the name of your supervisor.

“Be honest” was a frequent employer comment. Many employers check
references or do background checks. If there are negative things in your
Research the Company

Find out a little bit about the company. Talk to people who work there,
visit their web site, look them up in employer directories, or ask
representatives from the Job Service to fill you in on what the company
does and what positions they have.

Always put a job title in the “Position Applied For” space of an
application. Don’t make the employer try to figure out what you can do.
There is no such job as “Anything”.
Take the Initiative

Go to every employer that has the type of work you are seeking and ask if
they are hiring.

Use a cover letter to sell yourself.

Apply alone. Don’t bring friends or children.
Prepare for the Interview

Think about why someone would want to hire you (something other than
“I need a job.”)

Give short complete answers. Don’t talk too much. Practice with a friend
on answering interview questions.

Ask questions about company operations, job responsibilities, or benefits.
Questions about salary shouldn’t come first.
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is an equal
opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to
individuals with disabilities.
Be On Time

Arrive ten minutes early for appointments and interviews. If you arrive
late, the employer will assume you plan to arrive late to work as well.

If you aren’t sure where the company is, drive there the day before so you
know where it is and how long it will take to get there.
www.mwejobs.com
Follow up

Follow up after completing an application or having an interview. Check
with the employer to find out what timeframe and method to use.

Send a thank you note. 55% of employers say a thank you note made them
take a second look at an application.
Once You Get the Job
Employers Talk About
Your Job Search
Be timely, reliable, and responsible – a good work ethic goes a long way.
Top Three Pieces of Advice from Employers ...

Good attendance is essential. Show up for your assigned work schedule.
Always follow the company call-in policy if you can’t make it to work.

Be flexible. Listen and be cooperative when suggestions are made.

Take pride in your work.
1. Pay attention to your appearance.
2. Project a positive attitude.
3. Prepare by researching the company and gathering
information needed to complete an application.

The Western Maryland One-Stop Job Centers have other brochures that can help
you in your job search. The brochures, “15 Reasons Job Seekers are Not Hired”
and “Effective Job Applications” were also developed from other employer
surveys and give lots of practical advice. Many other job search resources are
available at your Western Maryland One-Stop Job Centers. For locations or to
access other job search information, visit the Maryland Workforce Exchange web
site at www.mwejobs.com.
This brochure was developed
by the Washington County
One-Stop Job Center with the
assistance of the
Washington County Business
Relations Group.
...and more
Western Maryland One-Stop Job Centers
Hagerstown: 301-393-8200
Cumberland: 301-777-1221
Oakland: 301-334-3972
TTY users, call via the Maryland Relay Service
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION
Martin O’Malley, Governor
Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor