Have you ever left an interview wondering why you didn’t get the job, when you knew you were more than qualified? Well here are some things to ponder if you are ever in that predicament.
First starting with your resume, yes even though you have worked in the adult industry for years, and know everyone there is to know, believe it or not the hiring manager still wants to see a professional resume, spelling out in a concise manner your skills you have for that particular position. So that means you may have to customize your resume for each job you interview for so it addresses the skills that they are wanting for the particular position. Example if it’s a marketing position, they want to hear mainly what you have done in your past employment pertaining to marketing. Though you may have some developer skills that shouldn’t be the highlight of your resume when it’s a marketing position, make sense?
Some of this may sound elementary but it’s amazing how we forget about these basics when we are going through the process of finding a job.
As the old saying goes, “Dress for Success,” this doesn’t mean you have to dust off your suit and tie for the interview, only if everyone else is wearing suits! Normally the office dress these days, especially for adult entertainment companies are a little more relaxed. So if the daily dress code in the office is T-shirts and jeans for the most part, come dressed a step up from that! Wear a pair of pressed khakis and a nice dress shirt, and women can wear a dress, yes a dress. Or nice pair of dress pants will do as well. “Dressing up” will let the hiring manager know, when you’re walking in for the interview the interviewer knows you are serious about the job.
Remember to do your homework! Just like your mom always said, and it applies to going in for the interview as well. It’s never been easier with the Internet, you can obviously go to the company’s website, Google the company and the principals, check them out on the webmaster boards, read past press releases (can be found on sites like XBIZ.com), check out some of the social networking site the company maybe using, and of course be well versed on the position you are applying for and how your skills can fill their needs. Remember it’s a two-way street, you’re interviewing them as well to make sure the company is going to be a good fit for you too. So come prepared with questions for them and don’t forget extra copies of your resume!
Lastly, close the deal! When the Q&A session is over on both ends, ask the interviewer what the next steps are and recap why you would be the best candidate for the position and ask for the job! But if you think you may not be the best candidate it doesn’t hurt saying so and let them know if a position comes open that maybe matches your skills better you would be interested in speaking to him/her about that.
Assuming everything ended on a positive note and the position seemed like a good fit, be sure to get a business card to send a thank you email and also let them know you look forward to the next step in the process and thank him/her for their time.
I know some of this may sound elementary but it’s amazing how we forget about these basics when we are going through the process of finding a job. So I hope this was a good reminder for all!
EddieK is president of X Industry JOBS www.xindusttryjobs.info.
