A few last words of encouragement for job seekers

If you read my column on a regular basis, you know that I feel adamant about certain aspects of job hunting.

I believe that lying should be off-limits in any job search. I advocate for face-to-face interactions and through-the-mail correspondence, even in today’s digital age. And I know for a fact that powerful, compelling resumes make hiring managers sit up and take notice.

I also feel strongly about leaving a position when the time is right. Saying goodbye doesn’t mean that the opportunity hasn’t enriched your life and career in a big way. Sometimes after dedicating yourself to a certain job or task, you realize that it’s time to go.

This is my way of telling you that today’s column is the last weekly piece that I’ll be writing for The Daily Herald.

Providing advice to a large community of job seekers has been a tricky proposition. How could I possibly address every subject from writing a cover letter to building a rewarding post-military career? The answer is simple. I couldn’t, and I wrote nearly 300 columns.

Luckily, I have one more topic in mind. It’s an old subject, actually, but it’s meaningful for people in all industries and disciplines. Executives, engineers, journalists and bartenders. Older workers and new graduates. No matter who you are or what you do, if you want to land a new job, you have to:

•Meet the person with the authority and desire to hire you.

Prove that you are the best person for the job.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Not really. We all know that you can’t march into an office, introduce yourself to the interviewer and expect your name to be added to the payroll. You have to uncover a good job opportunity. Figure out the best person to contact. Score an interview. Answer tough questions about your background. And have the ideal experience, training and personality to fit in with the organization.

All the while, you must keep your emotions in check. Shake hands. Smile. And convince people that you are the best, brightest and most dependable candidate for the position.

Here is my final piece of advice. If you find yourself struggling with employment, remind yourself that meeting people and making a good impression is at the heart of every job search. If you don’t secure a position the first time out, meet more people. Enhance your presentation. Again and again. For as long as it takes.

If you need help fine-tuning your resume or navigating other aspects of your job hunt, ask someone for support and then dive back in. Soon you will meet the right person and present yourself in just the right away. You will shake hands. Smile. And probably bite your lip to keep your enthusiasm in check. Because this time you’ll be accepting a job offer.

Job seeker no more. Say hello to your new boss.

I’d like to thank the editors of The Daily Herald for allowing me to share my advice and opinions in this forum. To all of the job hunters out there, I wish you exciting job opportunities, the courage to take smart, calculated risks and the joy that comes from steady, reliable work. Good luck.

Eve Nicholas: Eve.GetaJob@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: The Herald thanks Eve for the encouragement and sound advice that she has provided those looking for work or a new career. We wish her well.