The job search is a very tasking and time-consuming process. And searching for a new job often feels like being in an ocean of CVs and interviews; however, there are some ways to ensure you rise above others vying for the same position.
Whether you’re looking to get a leave a current role, you’re laid off and looking to get a new job, or just entering the job market, these tips for getting a job are sure to position you as an attractive employee to companies.
Clean up and tailor your resume.
A resume is your first introduction to a company and one of the most critical tools for job hunting. Employers and recruiters can get up to a hundred or resumes for an individual job posting. And because they are usually tied for time, they will often take a cursory glance at your resume. You want to ensure that your resume highlights what the employer is looking for in a job. Tailoring your resume or having different resumes for different roles ensures that you are positioning yourself as the best candidate for employers. Look for keywords in the job description, requirements and responsibilities and include these keywords in your resume.
Be active on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. You can use LinkedIn to connect with future employers, recruiters, and even people who work at the company. With today’s challenges of physical distancing, this is a perfect substitute for in-person networking events. You can join groups of similar interests and follow employers of your choice. Jobs are posted on LinkedIn as well, making it an excellent resource for people job hunting.
Be organized.
When applying for jobs, it’s essential to be organized. Keep track of the job, the company, your application stage, and any other relevant information; this can be done using something as simple as a spreadsheet, a planner, or even a notebook. Take the time to organize your job search; doing this helps you stay on top of the application process.
Be thorough.
A lot of people think that the job search ends at sending out a couple of resumes. To ensure that you’re positioning yourself for as many opportunities as possible, you need to go the extra mile. Register your CV and details on relevant job sites and sign up for emails notifying you of new postings. Don’t be afraid to look for jobs on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. Sign up with a staffing agency to get paired with a recruiter with your best interests at heart. Reach out to people in your network and find out if they know about any relevant postings.
Have daily job-related goals.
Having daily goals during the job search process is vital. These goals can be something like apply for five jobs a day, or apply jobs for at least an hour. Having daily goals helps with consistency; it also helps separate the job search process from other aspects of your life.
Prepare for all job interviews.
If you move forward to the interview stage, take time to get prepared. Develop responses to common interview questions, practice a mock-interview with a friend or network contact. Research the company so you are knowledgeable about the company and ask them questions. If you need to have certain documents or certificates with you, ensure you carry them. The more prepared you are for an interview, the more comfortable you’ll be, and employers can sense that.
Send thank-you notes.
Sending a quick thank-you note after interviews (via email or your regular form of communicating) to express your interest and fit in the company is a crucial step to take in the job hunt. While it may not guarantee you a job offer, it helps you stand out from most job seekers who often forget this simple act of courtesy.
Follow up with hiring managers.
Just because you have completed the interview stage or sent a thank you note doesn’t mean it’s time to slack. Depending on how the interview goes, the hiring manager might ask you for more information; you mustn’t forget to respond with these follow-up items in a timely fashion. Also, it is essential to follow up with the hiring manager regularly. The key to following up is to be as professional as possible so you don’t sound rude, needy or pesky.
Stay positive.
Job searching can be a full-time job on its own. You might deal with several rejections; you might have an interview and not get the offer. These can be very discouraging for job seekers. It’s essential to try and stay positive. Take some time to unwind, listen to some music, take a walk, read a book and more. Talk to your friends and family so you can get your frustrations out and stay focused on applying.