The Mystery of Peter Answers

Skip all of this and take a look at job interview secrets if you want to for sure secure a job in 2009.

If you have been affected by the record number of layoffs in 2008 you are probably looking for Peter Answers for the answer to the following question: “Will I Get a New Job in 2009?”

2008 has been extremely difficult for employees. Just check this list of all the layoffs announced just in December alone. Here are some examples:

Dec. 22: Parker-Hannifin fires 405 in varied locations as part of overall cost cutting.
Dec. 22: Eaton pink-slips 331 at factories across the U.S.
Dec. 19: Genworth Financial cuts global workforce by 14% (1,000).
Dec. 19: Electronic Arts increases previously announced workforce cut from 6% to 10%. Total becomes 1,000.

Whether you have been laid off or not it is smart to be thinking to 2009.

In order for you to find success in 2009 with your job hunt you need to do the following:

Build a Solid Resume

You need to write a resume that not only is an accurate representation of your past employment but a solid one that shows the major contributions you made to your organization. Follow some of these tips to make sure you build a solid resume:

• Look at job descriptions to identify relevant keywords
• Tweak your job objective to match to job you are applying for
• Use action words
• Research the need they have and show how you can solve it

Finally, I always suggest sending a nice printed copy of resume through Snail Mail even if you have applied online. Doesn’t hurt to have a clean unfolded copy (use a big envelope!) of your resume to stand out in a pile of plain white printouts.

Write a Winning Cover Letter

Your winning cover letter should address these points very succintly:

1. For what position are you applying?
2. How did you learn of the position or company?
3. Why are you perfect for the position?
4. Who will contact who?

Cover 1 & 2 in the first paragraph and a paragraph each for 3 & 4. Just like with the resume, send a clean copy with the resume you send in Snail Mail.

Ace the Job Interview

Finally, Peter Answers how to ace a job interview. Getting to the interview is a major accomplishment, congratulations! But this is also where you can screw things up so follow these steps and you will be good to go.

Here are the things you must do in an interview:

• Display confidence through your posture, dress, walk, energy, and eye contact.
• Shake hands firmly but only if a hand is offered to you first.
• Let the interviewer start the dialogue.
• Listen carefully.
• Welcome all questions, even the difficult ones, with a smile.
• Develop answers in your head before you respond. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or clarified. You don’t have to rush, but you don’t want to appear indecisive.
• Give honest, direct answers.

In addition you need to find ways to show that you are willing to work, committed to continuous learning, flexible and willing to contribute.

Finding a replacement job is hard work and will not be easy in the economy. However Peter will tell you that if you follow the steps listed here and you work exceedingly hard (not to mention get a little lucky!) that the answer to your question is “Yes, you will get a new job in 2009.”

And that is Peter’s Answer!