So you think you have all your ducks in a row and you are ready to hit the job market.  After many arduous hours your resume is finally done, your references are collected and contacted and you have even gotten some business cards for networking.  But too often there are a few other things that come up and can potentially delay job searches.

One is a sample of your work, It may be a sample report, product design, strategic plan or even a writing sample.  Be sure it does not contain any proprietary information from your former employer, but these are things prospective employers sometimes ask for as part of the application and interview process and unless you have these things on hand you may find yourself scrambling for these the day before an interview.

Another thing job seekers want to make sure is in order is their credit report.  Credit reports have become a common part of background checks so it is a good idea to make sure yours is in order and accurately reflects your activity so that it does not become a deal breaker at time of  job offer.

Lastly, don’t find yourself scrambling to pull your interview “suit” together at the last minute.  If you have not interviewed in a while or had a job that required you to wear business attire scan your closet early in your job search to make sure you have interview attire that is clean, fits and is in style.  The night before an interview is not when you want to be running to the department store for a new shirt or blouse.

These may be little things but pulling these things together early in your job search will certainly help you feel better prepared.

The “fit” factor seems essential whether you are a finalist in a job search or are in a job trying to fit in with your coworkers or into an organization’s culture.  Over time we have become a society where qualities like being outgoing, outspoken, collaborative and even high energy have become desired traits in job candidates and employees.  So it begs the question – what about the other half of the population that tend towards contemplation, reflection, soft spokenness and individual contribution – where to they fit? 

Too often intoverts try to morph into the popular status quo, only finding themselves exhausted by the battle to conform to a style that is counter to their core.  Introverts tend to be creative, great listeners, innovative and empathic.  One would think that these qualities too have their place in the world of work.

It all comes back to employers value on diversity in the workplace, and creating an environment that not only values the diversity of age, gender and ethicity, but also values the diversity in style, tendency and perspective.  Not everyone does their best work in pods or on teams.  The best ideas do not always come from those most outspoken.  And fitting in shouldn’t be defined by who attends the after hours office gatherings.

Companies can make enormous strides in the area of talent acquisition and performance management, and employee satisfaction and engagement by creating a work place where both introverted and extroverted employees thrive.  They then would have the best of both worlds.