A recruiter's take to job interviewing - Winning that next date!

As a recruiter conducting dozens of interviews every day, to having my own fair share of interview mishaps as a candidate, I've collected some tidbits of wisdom as it relates to job interviewing.

Haven't you ever noticed that interviewing for jobs is a lot like speed dating? You walk into a room full of strangers who are quick to scrutinize every word and action you make. You're nervous and excited, wanting to make a good first impression. Then, after a round of quick introductions, you're allowed only a limited amount of time to impress your date, find out as much information on your date as possible, only to hope that you've impressed them enough to be asked on another date.

So, too, going from one company to the next interviewing, hoping you've impressed the hiring manager enough to be invited back to a second interview; or better yet, receiving a job offer itself! But sometimes, admit it, you don't land that next date.

We've all been there. So after some practice, and some rejections, we become better and more poised with our dating skills. See if these common dating tips will help you win in your next job interview.

1) Prepare - It's normal to be nervous, but preparing yourself mentally ahead of time will help with some of the jitters. Make sure you have the right address, directions and names of all the people you will be meeting with. Take some time to research the company and jot down some questions to ask at your interview. Make special notes on any interesting topics in which you can relate back to the hiring manager. Perhaps map out mentally how your interview will be like. Then, be sure to get there in enough time to relax and get familiar with your bearings.

2) Dress to impress - You want to make a good first impression. There's no better place to start than with how you look. Make sure your appearance is neat and presentable, dressing appropriately. It's ok to ask about the company's dress code policy. Be mindful of good hygiene. Brush your hair and make sure that you don't have any left over spinach wedged between your teeth. Also, it's good to be weary of bad breath, but please, don't chew away on your gum during the entire interview. Discreetly dispose of the gum before you head into your interview.

3) Project positivity - Bring forth your happy face. Think positive thoughts and remember to smile. There isn't a more obvious form of positive body language than a smile. Humans are naturally drawn to people who smile. Smiling makes you appear more confident, makes you appear more youthful or vibrant and is so contagious. Wouldn't you want to be around a happy person; or would you rather be around some one who frowns, scowls or grimaces all day?

4) Build rapport - Having good listening skills and good eye contact is great, but really you're aiming to do more than just get to the next date. You'll need to put in a little bit of effort and engage yourself in the conversation. Try to connect with the person you're interviewing with by asking lots of open-ended questions relevant to them or things that interest them. Questions beginning with WHAT, WHY, WHO or TELL ME ABOUT...? Let the person know what you can do for them.

5) Show interest - Sometimes even with your best efforts put forth, your date still wants to hear that you are indeed interested in them. There is nothing wrong with showing interest. Of course hiring managers know you have some level of interest in the position or you wouldn't be there interviewing, however, they like to hear, and to know, from you that you are interested in the job. So don't be afraid to tell them you are. They like to see enthusiasm. This is not the time to be shy. Go ahead, ask for the next date!

Good Luck and good dating!

Social Media - How candidates can use this to enhance their job search.

As a recruiter, I thought I'd offer my two cents in the job searching arena. If submitting your resume to the various job boards is not producing the number of responses you'd like, there are ways you can directly market yourself to the recruiters and/or employers of choice. With the advances in technological gadgets and the ease in accessibility to the Internet, social media is taking a strong hold in today's society as a popular means for social interaction, networking and communication. As such, several social media websites have seemingly become household names over night; Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook - to list a few. By utilizing each of the website's strengths, you can create/promote your own branding, increase your visibility, search for jobs, source for professional contacts and directly market yourself into your next dream job.

Many recruiters use social media as an avenue to market themselves, or their respective companies, as well as source for candidates. They also use it to share ideas and network with their peers and colleagues. By making a social branding of yourself, you'll be able to network with, or possibly gain direct access to those who are managing the various job openings at your companies of interest.

1) Linkedin.com is a business-oriented social networking website. Through Linkedin you can search and find inside connections to different companies of interest. If you haven't already done so, register for an account and begin to professionally brand yourself by creating your profile. Account registration is free. You can create a profile which lists your job history, accomplishments and/or highlight your unique skill sets. Provide key words that can be searchable to recruiters or hiring managers. Also, having colleagues recommend you will provide recruiters and hiring managers a quick reference on you. (Note: Unless you upgrade, you may not be able to directly contact a person unless he/she is within your connection.) You can also further your networking connections by joining professional groups and participating in discussions within Linkedin relating to similar interest, occupation, or industry. Conduct an advance search on title, company and/or location to help you identify a name or contact. Then message, or ask connections for an introduction, to help get your foot in the door. Being courteous and following up with a thank you email will help improve your number of correspondence, or referral, from the recruiter/hiring manager.

2) Facebook.com is a social networking website that allows users to connect to others as friends, send messages, and update their personal profiles which then notifies their friends (network) of the information. Users can create or join networks relating to their school, college, or work place. Several companies/businesses create a Facebook Fan Page. Users can can "like" a page and become part of that page's updates and advertisements. By writing on an organization's wall, you can increase your visibility to that organization. You can also view organization's friends list for networking opportunities.

3) Twitter.com is a social networking and microblogging site that allows users to send and read each others messages called tweets. The tweets are text based messages with up to 140 characters in length. Users are able to subscribe, or follow, other user's tweets. By searching Twitter for names, key words, or lists, and then selecting to follow users or tweets with similar interest, or those who are related to companies/industry of interests, you begin to create a valuable network. By tweeting on related issues, retweeting information, or replying to a tweet, you become more visible; other users will begin following you. This will help you in creating your own professional branding.

(Here's a helpful tip. Search "#socialrecruiting" and/or "#jobhuntchat" within Twitter. You can identify, network, and follow recruiters who may be able to aid you in your job search.)

Being highly visible on the Internet could be risky, but, by taking control in creating a good professional digital profile, which both reflects your personality and skill set, social media can be used to enhance your reach and visibility to your employer of choice. You'll find immense value in being able to connect to important contacts who would have been unapproachable before hand.

Good hunting and good day!