You’re out on the prowl, dropping off resumes and attending interviews. So be prepared for anything by packing an emergency kit in your car. Be sure to include:
Extra Resumes/Business Cards: You never know when you’ll run into a potential contact. Don't count on making a strong an impact if you’re not prepared to hand over some paper on the spot. Make sure you keep these in a folder where they won’t get stained or wrinkled. No paper is better than messy paper.
Backup Wardrobe: Men keep an extra tie and ladies stock a spare pair of panty hose. It’s easy to slop on the tie or get a run in your hose when on the run around town. Better to look perfectly polished than have to explain you had your lunch to go.
Stain Stick: In case you slop somewhere besides your tie, keep a laundry pen on hand to remove unexpected splotches on clothes.
Black Sharpie: It can fix a scuff or make your mark on anything.
Fabric Softener Sheets: Especially important in winter months as dryer sheets eliminate static. Rub a sheet over your pants or skirt to avoid embarrassing cling and take the shock out of your handshake. It also leaves clothes with a pleasant fresh laundry aroma.
Hair Care Accessories: Whether it’s a comb, a brush, some mousse or a scrunchy, you know what your hair might need in a pinch. You can grab travel sized products at the pharmacy and catch fly-aways on the fly.
Breath mints: Fresh breath is essential when speaking to people about employment. Mints last longer than gum and you won’t be smacking while trying to speak.
Baby wipes: They can clean everything from your hands to your unmentionables. Baby wipes are like a shower in a box if you need them to be. They’re also great for tidying up shoes, bags, or messes of most any sort.
Toothpicks: Use them to keep your teeth clean but also to make sure you’ve removed all the grime from under your fingernails. You might think no one is going to notice but they will.
Safety Pins: Must haves for whatever may pop or tear.
Stationary: As well as having a pen and paper handy keep a few gender neutral blank note cards in your kit. Writing a quick thank you note on the spot will help keep the meeting fresh and your message genuine. Drop it in the mail or at the desk.
Check out retailgigs.com for an extensive resource on job opportunities, career seeking solutions, and career advancement tips.
By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner, and work-from-home mom.
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