Physical labour. I am wondering if anyone can give me any tips when I go to hand my resume in. It has been many many years since I worked out of home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm so excited but have to be realistic that I may not get the job. I just want to give it my best.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 - 05:01 pm:

Dress nicely, don't take anyone with you, eye contact, firm handshake, appear confident. Make sure your resume' is 1 page, this really where you sell ourself. Include a cover letter. In case you have to fill out an application have all references & past employment typed on another sheet of paper so you do not have to ask to use a phone book. Also make sure you have your own pen handy so that you do not have to dig through your purse.
Goodluck

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 - 06:53 pm:

Dress nicely, yes - but think about the type of job you are applying for and dress up a little bit more than that job. For example, if you are applying for a job as a secretary wear a suit, even if every secretary in the office is wearing slacks or skirt and blouse; if you are applying for a job as a carpenter, wear pressed chinos and an ironed long or short sleeve shirt - you get the idea.

Try to know a bit about the job you are applying for and the company in advance so that you can sound intelligent both in the questions you answer and the questions you ask - and do try to ask a question or two that relate to job responsibilities (save questions about benefits, salary, etc. until after they start seriously talking hiring you).

Look at your resume and try to slant it towards the kind of job you are trying to get. Be completely honest, but you can emphasize what you know and can do that is in line with the job and give less space to experience that doesn't relate. And, your resume can include non-paid things you've done that relate to the job you are trying to get, not just paid work - even life-experience types of things.

When you say "physical labour", what kind of job are you applying for?