ClearRock

Getting the job you want in 2012 could come down to knowing how much time to spend on critical parts of the job search and interviewing process, according to ClearRock, an outplacement and executive coaching firm headquartered in Boston.

"Several important elements of a successful job search have their own time-related expectations, and knowing what they are can make a difference," said Annie Stevens, managing partner of ClearRock (www.clearrock.com).

Some job-search facets that are associated with time include:

• The cutoff point at which most people being interviewed by phone are excluded from further consideration
• How much time you should spend making eye contact during an interview
• The optimal length of the verbal resume you deliver to prospective employers
• The time limit for following up after interviews
• The time window you have to make a good first impression
• The right duration of a hand shake

According to ClearRock, the times to remember for each component are:

* PHONE INTERVIEW: The first 5 minutes of a telephone interview are the most important since only about 2 out of 10 people called are still under consideration after that time. "Be prepared to make the most of the limited time you will be given. Convey enthusiasm, have a list of questions prepared in advance, keep your answers concise, and relate your responses to your fit for the job," said Stevens.

* EYE CONTACT: Make eye contact with those who are interviewing you about 75 percent of the time - or for about 45 minutes of a one-hour interview. "Making eye contact at that level conveys you are engaged in the interview. Less eye contact may signal disinterest, and too much may be intimidating. Maintain eye contact both while you are talking and while you are listening," said Stevens. 

* VERBAL RESUME: Your 90-second verbal resume should briefly outline what you are looking for, your background and experience, what you can bring to the job, and two or three accomplishments from your career related to the position. Practice it until you get it to fit the 90-second time frame," said Stevens.

* FOLLOW UP: Within 24 hours of an interview, follow up with a note, letter, or email to the people you interviewed with and anyone else you met who may have a say in the hiring decision. "Personalize each communication and include what was discussed with each person, as well as your suitability for the position," said Stevens.  

* HANDSHAKE: A 3-second handshake is an important part of the nonverbal communication that is going to be evaluated. "A handshake that is too short or too long can be as damaging as a weak grip or a sweaty hand. Use a firm grip, make eye contact with each person whose hand you shake and smile," said Stevens.

* FIRST IMPRESSION: Most first impressions are formed within the first 30 seconds of an interview. "Dress a level or two above the position for which you are applying, speak clearly and with a confident tone, make eye contact, display enthusiasm, and smile," said Stevens.