applying_for_a

Guidelines for Effectively Applying
for a Job at a Distance

Copyright © 2001
Diane Howard Ph.D.

Search for e-jobs postings in your field on E-Job Searching Sites by doing key word searches (media, performance communication, pr, journalism, broadcasting, presenting, advertising, marketing...)

Send e-resumes to companies or organizations that need your unique skills and for whom you would like to work.

(1) Study the company or organization of a prospective employer.

                    (2) Find and follow job application guidelines.
                    (3) Call the company or organization to ask questions about the company and job.
                    (4) Secretaries can sometimes provide important information, insights.

                    (5) Request to be put on e-mail lists for job announcements in your field.

Send correspondence introducing yourself, following the guidelines of the company which posted the job opening.

(l ) Send or post a resume in the appropriate form.

     (a) Use headings line up with the job you want.

     (b) Use appropriate key words.

     (c) Post most important content first.

     (d) Identify and target the needs of the employer.

     (e) Sell your skills.

      (f) Don't put your references on your resume.
            State that your professional references are available
            upon request. You don't want the prospective employer's
            human resource department to call them, before they call you.

      (g) Be careful about posting your photograph on resume sites.
             In many cases, it is a legal problem for companies to consider
             your picture in deciding, if you are to be interviewed or hired.
             This in many situations violates Equal Opportunity Employment
             (EOE) laws. Many companies won't consider resumes that are
             submitted with a photo in order to comply with EOE laws
             (JobSeekers.com, 2001)

(2) Provide an electronic portfolio website, which like a good photo or resume
creates interest in the prospective employer.

(a) It should engage and invite site visitors, creating in them a desire to learn
more about you and your experience.

(b) If you post a headshot on your website, make sure that it is a professional
photograph, which conveys energy and your uniqueness.

In a distance interview speak with a pleasant, confident voice.

                   (1) Show interest in the company or organization.

                    (2) Appear teachable.

                    (3) Answer questions briefly and to the point.

Be well groomed and display confidence in a videoconference, face-to-face interview.

                    (1) Wear a neat, simple hairstyle.

                    (2) Wear neat, professional garments.

                    (3) Sit or stand with good posture.

                    (4) Make direct eye contact.

                    (5) Use natural, confident gestures.
                    (6) Use confident body language.

                          (a) Give eye contact.

                          (b) Don't be hesitant about where to sit.

                          (c) Don't show in any way that you are apologetic about taking up the
                                interviewer's time.

                          (d) Don't cross your arms across your chest. This may look closed to an
                                interviewer.

                          (e) Don't cross your legs.

                          (f) Don't lean back in your chair.

                          (g) Don't betray nervousness with fidgety hand movements.

See further guidelines, tips, and etiquette for effective videoconference or teleconference communication.

New Text Available-

Enhanced by Technology, Not Diminished:
A Practical Guide to Effective, Distance Communication

Contact Dr. Howard
dhoward@vvm.com
Onsite and/or Distance
Communication Consultation