What Hiring Managers Want

Going to a job interview has to rank rather high on the scariest things you'll ever do list. It doesn't matter how much you read about etiquette, your sure to come away wondering if you did and said the right thing.

A report from the Society for Human Resource Management offers the following advice to job seekers.

• Don't say things like "this is my dream job". According to the report, hiring managers hate that. Maybe they're afraid they won't live up to your dreams, more likely they'll think you're just a suck up.
• Don't skip the thank you follow up. Be sure to get a business card from everyone involved in the interview, then send a simple thank-you email--that's the preferred (and faster) method.
• Don't bug them with phone calls, but it's acceptable to call once. If you're the anxious type, try not to call more than once a week.
• Be sure to clean up your Facebook and Twitter posts. It's becoming normal procedure to lookup candidates, even before granting an interview.

When asked about expected hiring 26% of small companies (100 employers or less) and 24% of medium sized companies (100-449 employees) said their organization is likely to increase staff during the fourth quarter. Only 11% (500+ employees) said their employers are more likely to maintain staff levels. So your odds are better at finding a job with a smaller organization.

Even the unemployed must file taxes

If your among the many people who were out of work in 2008 make note that you're not off the hook for filing taxes. The IRS requires anyone who received a W2 from their employer and made at least $8,950 (if you're single and under 65 years old), or made at least $400 if you're self employed, to file a tax return. Hey, it could be in your favor to file. Without filing you can't receive a refund.

What Income do the Unemployed have?
If you have received unemployment benefits you may have to pay taxes on those funds. It is taxable on the Federal returns and on most state returns. Also if you received a severance package when you left your job that money is taxable. The IRS also wants to know about other taxable income such as freelance work or odd jobs that you've taken on. And if you took money out of your 401(k)--that's considered income.

Don't Overlook Job-Related Deductions.
Of course you knew that you couldn't make money without the IRS wanting their piece, but did you know that there are some deductions associated with hunting for a new job? You can deduct the following, but be sure to have all of your receipts:

• anything you spend on creating, printing and mailing your resume
• career coach or headhunter expenses
• interview transportation costs such as: bus, taxi, train, plane, parking, tolls and driving mileage (Driving: between Jan. 1, 2008, and June 30, 2008--50.5 cents per mile, between July 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008--58.5 cents per mile.)
• meals and lodging for out of town interviews
• relocation costs that are not reimbursed by the employer (note that the move must be over 50 miles from your previous location)

Not deductible--your time for a job hunt, interview clothing or accessories. Oh, and if your employer pays for your relocation costs--that's considered income, don't forget it.