As an employment Counselor for the County, a former Placement Specialist for the disabled, a former HR Manager and director of Job Placement at a large training center I can give you some hints as to how to be employable. You won't wont to hear about them but they are 100 percent true. You can and will get a job if you are #1 in your field, have special training that is needed, and/or have special skills. If you arne't in that catagory it is still possible, and actually likely to be employed if you follow a few tips.
First of all, look at the job market as a popularity contest. Everyone wants to be considered as a winner and one way to do so is to associate yourself with winners and employers want to do that as well. Not only is this a personal thing but also a corporate thing. No one wants to be represented by someone who doesn't care enough to present themselves well. Sorry, I know you don't like hearing that but it is reality. Pretty people have it easier in life. You want to come as close to being a pretty person as you possibly can. If you can't be thin and athletic then come the closest to it as you can. Be physically fit, carry yourself like an athlete, loose weight. Be as attractive as you can. Bath daily, don't just comb your hair but have a style for it, wear clean, well pressed clothes, shave, brush your teeth, wear makeup. You don't have to be a 10 but you do need to present an attractive package.
You don't like hearing this? This is discriminatory? People shouldn't judge others by their outer beauty? Your right, does that mean it doesn't happen? We all know it does. Hot women and hot men TYPICALLY look for hot men and women as well. So why wouldn't a hot - if you will- a 10- company not want someone that they consider a 10 - or close to it? Ok, so the company you are applying to is not a 10 - they still think they are, or want to be. Do what you can to sell yourself. Everyone talks about your resume, your cover letter, your elevator interview, your interview. You are so concerned with all that, as you should be, but then you drop the ball at the free throw line.
Do you know that studies show that the first impression is made in 5 seconds? That is all about how you look- nothing else- as in the first 5 seconds that you walk around that corner, or up the hall- you havn't even had time to extend your hand let alone say hello. When you are at the mall you glance at items as you walk by, too colorful, not long enough, don't like the material- all this happens in seconds- then, 'wow, that is nice' and you pick it up and take a longer look at it. You want them to 'pick you up' in a sense and look at you. Yes, you can change their minds by a great interview, or strong recomendations,etc. but do you want to need to? Don't you want to just build on the momentum?
If you don't believe me then try it one time. Loose 10 lbs, get a hair style, buy that nice suit that really fits you well, stand up straighter and walk with authority, use a breath mint/deodorant/light fragrance and just see what happens. You may not get that job but you will notice a better reception. People want to hire someone that they can relate to and everyone wants to relate to someone they find attractive or they consider a winner.
Pretend to be that winner and you may just turn into one. Fake it until you make it.
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