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A few of my cousins are entering the labor force this year. Some friends are also into the job hunt. Is it the season to be hunting for a new job, what with the deluge of new graduates and outsourcing?

In any case, a lot of employers stick to the basics. An exam and an interview or two, sometimes even more–depending on the level/position you are applying for. There are a few things to consider when going in for an interview. First, its not a one way street, you can gather some information about the company and you can also evaluate if that company really is for you. Second, the interview can be a make or break for you, you might have not done well on the exam, but they are willing to consider you provided that your interview goes well or they like you well enough because of your exam, but want to reaffirm your potential.

Here are some tips for your own job hunting (some have been personally verified, I’ll let you know with anecdotes.)

Before applying, prepare everything and cover all the bases. Consult and ask friends who are already happily employed.
Know your industry. If you work in the manufacturing industry, make sure you know those magnates. It might be an interview or an exam question. You’d never know.

Prepare a killer resume. I know this has been said a thousand times, but it pays to be told a thousand and one times. The resume’s over all presentation affects you. It might be your only chance to make a good impression. Its the first representation of yourself that they see and chances are if it’s no good, it’ll also be the last.

Keep your phone lines open. If you put you mobile phone number, make sure your phone is charged. There’s no better turn off than an unreachable phone. If you put your house phone, make sure younger siblings or housemates do not answer the phone for you. Brief everyone in the house that you are expecting calls from prospective employers.

I had once called an applicant and her younger sibling answered the phone–the kid was probably 3 or 4 and didn’t grasp the use of proper etiquette yet. She shouted out her sister’s name and whined that there was a call for her. Someone else then shouted back that the person wasn’t there. Needless to say, there was no more second attempt at contacting that job seeker. Too bad for her.

I’ll be making a series of entries for this topic. Watch out for them!