It seems that no matter your field, today’s job market is more competitive than ever before. Thanks to the internet, more people are aware of—and are applying for—each opening. If you’ve completed multiple applications without a callback or an interview, it may seem like handing in your application and resume is no longer enough.
Creativity and resourcefulness might not be required skills for your job, but they can certainly help you get noticed. If you’re hoping for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Consider the tips below that you can start applying today, from updating your resume to being on your best behavior at your job interview.
Update Your Documents
It may seem like a no-brainer that you should update your resume and cover letter when you begin your job search. But have you considered updating your resume for each and every job you apply for?
Even if you’re applying for the same type of job, each position will have slightly different requirements, and each company culture will be a little different. Look for keywords in the job posting. These can include educational requirements, years of experience, skills, technical abilities, or key performance indicators (KPIs). Use the exact wording from the job listing and include as many keywords as you can.
Be careful, though, that your resume doesn’t read like a keyword-stuffed blog post. Use numbers—percentages, money saved, clients reached, the size of the team you managed, etc.—to describe your contributions. Check out these resume metrics examples to help you quantify your accomplishments.
Stand Out on Social Media
Like it or not, we all have a digital footprint—traces of our online activity on social media, local news articles, school and work-related web material, reviews we’ve left, and more. A 2018 study by CareerBuilder found that around two-thirds of potential employers Google their candidates. That means that your digital footprint helps form their first impression of you.
The beginning of your job search is a good time to perform a personal social media audit. Look at each account and consider whether you’d want your employer to see each of your photos, posts, and comments. If not, delete them. If necessary, ask others to remove posts or photos that include you. Consider setting personal accounts to “private,” but remember that friends-of-friends outside your inner circle may still see some material you post.
Remember, too, that once you post something, you can never be certain it’s really gone even after you delete it. It may have already been saved or re-posted by someone else. So, always think twice before posting anything. Ask yourself, “Would I want this to become part of my permanent digital footprint?”
Additionally, you can build a strong professional presence online. Set up or update your LinkedIn account. Create business-related Instagram accounts or public personal accounts that present you as you wish to be known.
Network
Above, we considered social networking, which is an important aspect of professional networking. Once you’ve audited your social accounts, interact with your potential employer’s official channels on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
When you’re able to connect with your employer through networking, it puts you in a smaller pool of candidates with whom they have a direct connection. Importantly, don’t neglect other networking opportunities. These may include:
- Attending a job fair event at which your prospective employer is present.
- Attending an industry conference or similar at which a representative from the company is presenting and/or its current employees are attending.
- Volunteer at or attend community or charitable events in which the company is also taking part.
- Ask a mutual contact to introduce you to a decision-maker at the company at which you want to work; if possible, request a tour or shadowing opportunity.
- Apply to internships at companies you’d like to work for.
- Ask former employers or colleagues for reference letters.
Mind Your Manners
Throughout the hiring process, your prospective employer will be paying attention to how you speak and comport yourself. They want someone who will be easy to get along with on their team, so minding your manners can go a long way.
Interview Etiquette
Before the interview, learn the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it correctly—even if you have to call the secretary and ask. Arrive on time, and greet them with eye contact, a handshake, and a smile.
Listen carefully and do not interrupt your interviewer. Use good grammar when you speak—not slang. Do not speak badly of anyone at your previous organization. Verbally thank them at the conclusion of the interview.
Dress the Part
Whether online via video or in person, dress well for your interview. Make sure your clothing is not too tight, sloppy, stained, wrinkled, or revealing. Avoid overly casual clothes. A button-down shirt and slacks are a good bet no matter your gender or the culture of the company.
Express Gratitude
According to the Harvard Business Review, only one in four applicants send a thank-you email post-interview. Doing so sets you apart and provides an additional point of contact.
Key Takeaways
Updating your resume and cover letter for each job application, monitoring your social media, taking every networking opportunity, and minding your manners at and after the job interview can really help make you stand out as an ideal candidate.
Working on these key points can help you feel like you are making a difference to your job search and can boost you self confidence, too. You’ll land that job in no time!