What Every Job Seeker Should Know
Searching for a new job may sound about as appealing as getting major dental work, yet regardless of how much dread you might feel, it is something that must be done. With that said, being well-prepared and organized can go a long way to reduce the stress that will inevitably come with the process. However long your search takes, remaining focused and maintaining a positive attitude will help you survive this temporary situation. With so many variable factors that go into choosing a candidate, finding work is unfortunately not a science, but there are some important things to keep in mind as you conduct your job search in today’s competitive market.
Network!
You’ve heard it before, and for good reason. It is becoming increasingly common for jobs to be filled without advertising the position, and because HR staff are incredibly busy, referrals who have an ally within the company are more likely to be hired. Consistently put yourself out there and consider that everyone you already know, each new person you meet, and every interaction could be a potential connection to your dream job.
Social Media Matters
Hate it or love it, a Google search of potential candidates has become a common hiring procedure and should be taken seriously. Before you delve into your job search, make sure your Facebook profile doesn’t contain anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see. Furthermore, ensure your information across social media platforms is consistent, because a simple mistake such as claiming various job titles (if you haven’t updated them on each of your accounts) will raise a giant red flag regarding your honesty, social media savvy and skill level.
Make Your Resume Stand Out
Resume tactics that may have worked for you in the past could be outdated, as standards are constantly evolving. Considering the majority of advertised positions will utilize an online application system, the way your resume looks is far less important than the information it contains. Of course it should still be easy to read and visually uncluttered, but design extras such as color or special fonts can be lost in the shuffle and in some cases may not even be recognized by ATS screening software that many recruiters use to filter candidates.
Furthermore, be sure to include keywords that correlate to the specific position you are aiming for so the software recognizes you are a strong candidate. Hopefully that will get your resume seen by a human, who will then realize you’ve done your homework on the position and company. Instead of listing generic responsibilities from previously held positions, be sure to list specific accomplishments that will set you apart from the sea of fellow candidates.
Be Prepared for New Practices
It may seem overwhelming, but group interviews have become commonplace as more companies are concerned with the overall fit a candidate has within the team. Also, it may take a while to hear back after an interview (if at all) and often there are more rounds of interviews and multiple steps before being hired, sometimes even including a trial period.
Keep Your Head Up!
It may seem impossible not to feel discouraged after sending out so many resumes, going on interviews and still waiting for the call that they want you on their team. Remember that not landing a certain job isn’t personal, you just might not be the right fit. Try to keep it all in perspective and consider that the person they did hire just vacated their position, which could end up being your ideal new job.