People have trouble beginning the job hunt, because they don’t know where to start. We’re not going to let that happen to you.
We’re going over a few things we think every job seeker should know to help you get focused and land a job. Use these tips to help guide you as you navigate the job search process!
Use your network
Employers are looking for people they know and trust, and are increasingly relying on personal recommendations from colleagues and employees. You need to be putting yourself out there so your network knows exactly what type of work you’re looking for. More and more positions are being filled without being advertised. Don’t focus only on the old ways of looking for a job, get out, get to know people, and treat every interaction as a potential opportunity!
Clean up your act on social media
Companies often google search a candidate before hiring and social media can be an immediate red flag. Before starting your job hunt, clean up your Social media! Look at your profiles and review them from an HR perspective. Are there any photos or posts you might feel embarrassed by a potential employer seeing? Use privacy settings to make your profiles private, and delete anything questionable. Ensure you have some professional accounts as well. LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with others and show off your expertise.
You need a strong resume
Customize your resume for each job you apply for. Take some time to perfect your resume to adequately showcase your skills, education and experience. Write unique cover letters for each position, explaining why you want the job and how you feel you can add value to the company. It certainly should be attractive and easy to read, keep everything simple!
Freelance or remote work as viable options
Remote work has opened up so many possibilities for people all over the country. This means that not only can you apply to the usual jobs in your area, but you can also apply for jobs that might be based across the country.
Your first job doesn’t have to be a 9-to-5 office job. Consider a part-time job, freelance gigs, or a remote job. Expanding your search beyond a traditional full-time job will open you up to many more opportunities you wouldn’t find otherwise.
Be mindful of the ATS
When people tell you to utilize keywords or to read the posting, they mean it! If the job ad states you need experience with X, Y, and Z, then be sure X, Y, and Z are on your resume! Anytime you submit a resume online through a company’s website, you’re likely encountering an ATS. Ensure you use the same keywords and terminology that the company uses in your resume and cover letter. You may be a great candidate, but your information could be tossed out simply for not having the right keywords.
Focus on your accomplishments
Take some time to think about and recognize everything you have accomplished. Allowing your self to visually see everything you have done will help you to build confidence. If you are applying for a position as a sales manager, sending in a resume with a generic list of sales responsibilities isn’t going to make you stand out. Why are you the perfect salesperson ? What makes you different from the other 50 sales managers applying for the position? The answer is simple: accomplishments.
Get a feel for the company during the interview
The first interview you go on if you’ve been out of the job hunt for a while may feel very different. You may be expecting to go in and meet with one person, only to be greeted by an entire department. Team interviews are more common because it’s not just about the job, but how you fit with the team.
Be patient post-interview
The interview is done. They’ll call in a week, very likely, they will not. Not only will it take a while to hear back – if you do – but the interview process takes longer than it used to take. Companies are often now having candidates and finalists come in for trial periods. Sometimes it’s an hour and sometimes it’s a full day. It may feel time-consuming, but in the end, the goal is that you have found something you will be able to do for a while, and the company has found someone who will want to stick around.
Keep an open mind
The work you have always loved may not have the same title and may be shared by a team now. Instead of viewing this as a negative, consider the opportunities. Maybe you like sales, but always wanted to do some consulting. With the market as it is, you may be working harder, but you will also be able to open yourself up to new things.
It’s not personal
It’s very hard not to get discouraged. You may go on hundreds of interviews, send out thousands of resumes, and still be waiting for that call. Friends and family will offer advice and say things like, “The right job will come along,” but it is hard to believe it sometimes. For every rejection, remember it’s just not the right fit.
No matter whether you are a graduate looking to start your career or someone who is looking to change a job, you need to work on a job search strategy first.
