The job search can be a stressful ordeal, but it's often the first step in the process that causes the most frustration. If you find yourself applying to dozens of jobs with no results, you may wonder if your resume is going into a hiring black hole and is destined to be ignored forever. The good news is that there are several proven (and relatively simple) strategies you can take today to make your application stand out, get more interviews, and land your dream job.
Job searching is a numbers game to an extent, meaning the more applications you submit, the greater your odds of being called in for an interview. Despite the urge to get your resume out to as many companies as possible, rushing the process won't get you any closer to your goal. Frantically applying to job opportunities that aren't a good fit or missing key qualifications in your application will only waste time without getting tangible results. Before you apply, make sure you review the job description several times. Take note of the skills and experience required, and think about how your background makes you a good fit. If you're missing one or two qualifications, but otherwise you're a match move forward with the application but don't waste time on opportunities that are a long shot.
Once you've reviewed the job description and decided you fit the role, it's important to customize your application to reflect exactly what makes you qualified to do the job. The first step is to look for keywords in the job description and then use them strategically throughout your resume and cover letter. Keywords can fall into categories such as software tools, specific skills, certifications, and previous job titles. Nearly all large corporations and most mid-sized businesses use a hiring software that automatically screens candidates. Keywords can help get your application through the gate. Just make sure to use the keywords naturally without overstuffing. Remember to customize your cover letter and resume specifically for the role and triple check for errors before submitting.
With the ever increasing prevalence of social media in our society, it's very common for recruiters and hiring managers to look up candidates, not only when making the hiring decision, but also before bringing them in for an interview. You can expect employers to look at your Linkedin profile, so make sure your experience is up to date. You should also check your personal accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and delete anything you don't want a potential manager to see.
Even though the majority of the job search process takes place online, it's important to make an effort to connect with hiring managers and recruiters directly. Hiring managers often get hundreds of applications for one job opening and making a personal connection will help you stand out and get noticed. Use tools like Linkedin and the company's website to identify hiring managers and common connections and reach out to express your interest in a genuine andcourteous way. A handwritten thank you note after a phone or in-person interview will also go a long way.
When applying to multiple jobs, it's easy to lose track of new job opportunities, dream companies, and completed applications. Keep a log of your submitted applications, job openings, interviews (phone and in person), and networking efforts in a spreadsheet so that you can reference your progress. If you're applying to multiple jobs within one company, you should do so under one account instead of creating multiple profiles. This way you can easily find which jobs you've applied for and be prepared when you're contacted for an interview. Not only will tracking your job search help you stay organized, it will give you a sense of control over your search and you'll gain more confidence as a result
