Click here to return to the home page for Southwest Minnesota Careers
Click here to see a list of hot jobs sorted by current demand Click here to see a list of hot jobs sorted by future demand Click here to see a list of hot jobs sorted by annual wages Click here to see a list of hot jobs sorted by education requirements Click here to see a list of growing and emerging industries in Southwest Minnesota Click here to take a career and skill assessment

Click here to get help with your resume and job searchThe Career Corner – Rule of Seven

By Julie Job Counselor

Dear Julie: I need help! It seems like I get called for interviews, but once the interview is over I don’t hear back from the business. Can you give me some interviewing tips?

Julie says: One of the most important things to remember is what I like to call the “Rule of Seven”. It has to do with first impressions, and goes like this: The strongest impression you make on an employer happens in the first seven seconds, your first seven steps, and your first seven words. So make the first seven count!!! Make sure that you are appropriately dressed for the interview, and enter the building and the office confidently, with a smile and a handshake. Maintain eye contact, be positive and confident.

When you are asked questions about your background and skills, make sure that you include examples in your answers that support your skills and experience. Think about the skills that you want to emphasize before the interview, and prepare examples of past experiences that showcase those skills.

And last but certainly not least – send a thank you note to the interviewer! A thank you note shows the interviewer common courtesy and respect, and appreciation of his or her time. It is also an opportunity to express again your interest in the job, and your qualifications.

Interviewing can be one of the most stressful parts of the job search. Contact your local WorkForce Center: Marshall (1-800-818-9295), Montevideo (1-800-422-1346), or Worthington (1-888-234-3708) to see when they will be offering workshops on interviewing skills. Or feel free to just walk in and use the Resource Room to help you find suggestions on improving your interviewing skills. In addition, a representative from the WorkForce Center could be in your community soon. Just call one of the above phone numbers to find out where they will be and when. Walk-ins are welcome, or you may schedule an appointment.

There are many things you can do to help you be successful in your job search, and your local Workforce Center and Job Counselors are available to help you!

The Marshall WorkForce Center is located in the Lyon County Courthouse
Minnesota WorkForce Center - Marshall
Lyon County Courthouse
607 W. Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: 507.537.6236
Veteran's Rep: Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/marshall/

 

The Montevideo WorkForce Center is located in the old Library building
Minnesota WorkForce Center - Montevideo
Post Office Building
202 North 1st Street
Montevideo, MN 56265
Phone: 320.269.8819
Veteran's Rep: Dave Heidebrink, Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/montevideo/

 

The Worthington WorkForce Center is located in the Nobles County Government Center
Minnesota WorkForce Center - Worthington
Nobles County Government Center
318 9th Street
Worthington, MN 56187-2342
Phone: 507.376.3116
Veteran's Rep: Ron Kellen
Website: www.swmnpic.org; www.mnwfc.org/worthington/

 

 
Click here to return to the Southwest Minnesota Careers home page