Simple Tips to Keep You Looking Like a Winner

Finding a job can be hard work, but no matter how tired or discouraged you may be feeling, it's not the time for slacking off on the basics. The following simple tips may seem like no-brainers, but they come from real hiring managers who have seen it all.

When you're job-hunting, everywhere you go holds the potential to make important contacts…and yes, impromptu job interviews do happen in the gym, at the grocery store, and in the coffee shop. Maintain your appearance. You don't need to wear a suit everywhere you go, but you should always be well-groomed and look like someone who's got it going on - no matter where you are. You never know who you will run into.

Your cover letter is the first thing a hiring manager reads, not your resume. Your cover letter is the one place where you can break from the mold and really attract attention. Be creative, put thought into it, and find a way to demonstrate why you're the one that should be invited to an interview. Check your spelling and grammar, and then check it again. All the creativity in the world won't matter if you're turning people off with your lack of attention to basic details.

In a nutshell, find out everything you can about the company before you interview, and be prepared to address how you can add value to the company. The more you know about them, the more impressed they will be.

Mind your manners: Turn off your cell phone, leave your gum at home, maintain a firm handshake, and look people in the eye when you talk to them. Use common sense and resist the urge to do things like dumping out your car ashtray in the parking lot. Yes, they'll see you!

Don't bad mouth your previous employer - this may lead to HR thinking you're disloyal, unable to influence change, or to solve conflict effectively. Hiring managers know that unhappiness on the job isn't always about the boss, and negativity usually reflects more poorly on you than on your previous employer.

Actually, be early. You will appear professional, motivated, and ready to make a great impression.

…and the custodian, and the maintenance man, and the telephone repair man. But mostly, talk to the receptionist. She'll either share her impressions with the big guns later, or they'll be asking her about you. How you treat the receptionist may make all the difference in the world.

Need we say more?