Landing the Job
Jobseekers should use all the career tools they can, including social networking sites, Wistrom says. There are, however, much less tech-savvy ways of securing a job.
“Chances of landing a job are greatly increased when you thoroughly prepare for interviews and are able to concisely explain to hiring managers why you are the right fit for the role,” Wistrom adds.
One very simple, old-fashioned tip can give jobseekers the edge, Elsner says. It’s something that has made an impression on her over the years.
“If you’ve had an interview by phone or with a recruiter or a company, send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note,” she says. “E-mail is fine but handwritten is outstanding. Thank the interviewers for their time and tell them how interested you are. A note is so simple, but it’s rare, and it shows good follow-through.”
Plus, a thank you note can be logistically helpful to recruiters. Because they often have scores of people to interview, it’s easy for some to fall through the cracks. A note will help them remember you. Even top-notch candidates can get lost in the system without something extra to keep them in the running.   
Elsner’s biggest tip is to take any and every interview seriously, whether it’s with a company executive, a human resources representative or a recruiting firm. 
“Sometimes people don’t take an interview with a recruiter as seriously as they might if they were interviewing with the employer,” she says. “It’s really important to dress appropriately, be on time and do the follow up. [Applicants] think it’s a little more casual, but a lot of times we can really be their only intro into a company.”
Several interview experts recommend a cool attitude without too much eagerness, but according to Elsner, enthusiasm actually is the way to go. “Having a positive attitude and being excited about a job is usually an advantage,” she says.
Another tip she offers is an ironic one: You’ll have a better chance of getting a job if you have a job. Employers know that when companies have layoffs, they usually let go of their weakest people, which means people who were laid off may be undesirable applicants.
There’s hope, though, for the qualified but unemployed. In the sales sector, for instance, people who were fired or laid off can get a decent job if they are able to show a strong track record of developing business.


What Makes a Job Great?
Almost everyone wants high pay, good benefits and generous vacation time, but besides those factors, what makes a job great? It’s simple, says Denise Gredler, founder and president of BestCompaniesAZ, a firm that recognizes and promotes Arizona’s best workplaces (check out PHOENIX magazine in November for our own Best Places to Work list).
She says thorough research has unearthed a trend: Trust is the top factor in determining whether people like their jobs.
Every year, BestCompaniesAZ releases a list of Phoenix-area companies that meet its “best places to work” standards. The results largely are based on employee surveys administered by an independent third party. Recent winners include:     
• St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
• Chandler Regional Medical Center
• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
• Pointe Hilton Resorts
• John C. Lincoln Health Network
• GoDaddy.com
• Bashas’
• D.L. Withers Construction
• McMurry Inc.
• Camelback Toyota
• Creative Business Resources
• Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
When people look back on past jobs, it’s usually the people they remember, not their benefits. Bosses are particularly important.
“If you work for a great boss, they will help you unleash your passion and direct you down the right career path to where you can excel,” Gredler says.
“A great company will work with employees, allowing them to tap into their full potential, fulfilling personal and professional dreams and goals,” she continues. “Every company has its own unique culture, so make sure it is a good fit for you.”