From fine tuning your CV to quantifying your accomplishments, here are some tips that will help you inch closer to the job of your dreams.
No matter at what stage of your career you are in, if a prospective opportunity knocks at your door, you'll want to pursue it.
In fact, a lot of people, just like you, are looking at getting hired and asking for advice on how to seal the deal.
Here's a list of things you must do to improve your chances.
1. Build your online presence
The Internet is free advertising for your professional skills, and the first glimpse a recruiter will have into your personality.
Follow these steps and make a great digital impression:
Fully fill out your LinkedIn profile.
We're talking headshot, previous employment with experience bullet points, education, side projects, samples of your work -- and perhaps most importantly -- recommendations.
If you're not on Twitter, I highly suggest you join it.
Even if you don't contribute tweets, it is an invaluable resource for finding openings that may not have officially been posted to a jobs page yet.
Tip: Search #jobs + #thenameofyourcity to see the latest offerings.
If you do contribute tweets, share valuable content from your industry; that will show you're up-to-date on the latest trends.
ALSO SEE: How to use LinkedIn to get a job
2. Let opportunities come to you
Set up a LinkedIn or Glassdoor alert for job titles you're interested in.
Tell everyone you know you are looking for a job by sending out an e-mail, posting a message on social media, etc.
If you don’t have a professional website, set something like an about.me page up so you can get organic referral traffic.
3. Network
Every major city has trade organisations, communities and businesses looking to link like-minded professionals socially.
Identify the networks that apply to your interests, and go forth!
Some tips for surviving a couple hours in a room full of strangers:
- If you see someone standing alone, don't assume they're too cool to talk to you; assume they feel just as awkward as you do, and say 'Hi'.
- Everyone is there to make connections.
- Only half of conversation is talking.
- Even if you have an agenda for attending a networking event, you’re also there to build relationships with people who could help further your career.
- Make sure you listen to and engage with them.
- Keep your business cards readily accessible (not especially easy if the event involves cocktails.
4. Beef up your cover letters
Use action verbs like 'led,' 'managed,' 'analysed,' etc.
Talk about your interests outside of work; it reminds the reader you're a person, not just a number.
Emphasise how you can add value to the company, not just why you want the job.
5. Quantify your accomplishments
Anyone can list adjectives like 'detail-oriented' or 'self-starter.'
Your task is to prove to the reader that they apply to you.
If at all possible, insert some data into your resume or cover letter -- any concrete, tangible examples of positive changes you've made at work are the best way to prove you can make an impact in your new position.
Metrics that can be extremely persuasive:
- Time management
- Membership to relevant clubs
- Improved customer retention
- Closed sales
- Increased page views
- Lead a team or project
- Increased budget
6. Stay confident
This can be difficult during a job search, particularly if you are unemployed.
Things to keep in mind as you interview and negotiate salary:
- Surround yourself with cheerleaders, friends and family who will remind you that you're amazing and will land something fantastic.
- It’s just as important that you find out whether the company is a good fit for you as it is to make a good impression.
- Prepare questions that prove you are a serious candidate, and serious about the particular role.
- Be firm on salary. When asked what you are looking for in terms of compensation, or what you're making now, you don't have to quote an exact number; provide a range. A good trick I have learned is to look at the average salary of your current/last job title, and tell them where you fall on that spectrum (ex: "I currently make above the average rate for my position").
If you don't find something within a couple months, take a break.
The process of searching for jobs, applying for roles, writing cover letters, taking phone calls, going on interviews and writing follow-up notes is incredibly draining.
Spend a long weekend at home, or go on a short road trip.
Remind yourself that it's worth the time to find something you'll love over the long-term.
Photo: Gangplank HQ/Creative Commons
ALSO SEE
- What to avoid in a job interview
- How to dress for a job interview
- How to crack your first job interview
- 13 things you must absolutely avoid doing in a job interview
- Rejected in a job interview? Here's what you need to do next
- 10 questions you must ask during a job interview
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