I took a job search workshop a few years ago and it was very interesting for me. They really help you prepare and I got involved through the unemployment office. We learned how to de-stress , what to expect during interviews and also how to conduct ourselves in order to get the job among so many other things. Some of which I am going to share with you in a series of articles.

I totally hate filling out applications and especially interviews because they use to make me a total wreck and I always felt physically sick, but after I took this job seeking workshop I at least knew what to expect during an interview and how to prepare myself. We even had mock interviews that showed us what to expect and it’s always a great idea to have a fact card of all the information that you will need. I suggest a 3 by 5 index card.

It’s really neat how you can apply to most companies over the Internet , but you need to be careful that it is a legitimate company. That’s what I did when I applied at Lowe’s and they called me for an interview within a couple days. I still think it is better to go in person because they could be in desperate need and you could be hired on the spot.

4 Tips To Remember

1. Always dress like you are going for the interview the same day you put your application in. You never know, you might get lucky and you need to look your best.
2. When you are at the company be very courteous to everyone you meet. Always put the best of you out there. You never know who you might be impressing in the parking lot.
3. Always be prepared and take a couple of the same colored ink pens, either blue or black.
4. Remember to carry that fact card with you. Below is the list of information you will need to have available for yourself so you will be prepared.

Fact Card List

1. Your name
2. Permanent address and telephone numbers
3. Social Security number
4. Drivers license number
5. Schools attended and the addresses if available. If the school no longer exists do not list the old address. Usually just the city and state is enough.
6. Last elementary school and the dates you attended
7. Last secondary school and the dates and when you graduated
8. All other classroom training like College or special vocational training and the dates you attended and graduated or completed. List all degrees, certificates, credits, and diplomas.
9. All other training such as workshops, seminars, internships, on the job training etcetera. Location of the training and the dates attended and completed.
10. Information about your last 4 employers.
11. Name of the company if you were self-employed write that “Self-Employed”
12. Complete address of the company with zip code and phone number. If the company has relocated try to get the new address and if it is out of business make sure you state that.
13. Your job title and a brief description of your job duties. Keywords will conserve space on your fact card and serve to remind you.
14. The dates you were employed mo/yr.
15. The name of your supervisor if it was more than one I always put down the one that I got along the best with.
16. Wage earned from start to finish date. If you can’t remember just make your best guess.
17. Reason you left the job and try to list the most positive one. If you were fired just write you “will discuss at the interview” that way you will be able to explain it better.
18. References of at least 3 people, with name, addresses, phone numbers, occupation, and the length of time acquainted. They may ask for either personal or business references, so be prepared with the home or business information required.
19. Military experience, list the dates you served, last duty station, last training you received and type of discharge.
20. Your last 3 previous addresses and dates or how long at each location. Employers are looking for stable people and they like knowing you will be around for awhile.
21. Last medical exam, list your doctor’s name, address, and date of examination.