I don’t care how amazing you are, if you don’t go all-out in prepping your resume, researching the company, reaching out to your network and following up on the position — you likely won’t land the job your dreaming of.
First, take time to identify what YOU want. Don’t blindly go applying for jobs. A broad approach usually doesn’t work best when it comes to applying for jobs. Narrow your focus. Put your time and effort into something you actually want. Don’t just try to get a “better” job than you have now. Really go for what you desire.
1) Wants and needs.
Write down what will it take for you to say yes to the job if you’re offered it. Maybe you NEED a salary of at least $$$, employer-paid medical benefits, 401K and paid time off. You might WANT a casual office environment (wear jeans to work), a 20 minute or less commute and opportunities for professional development or advancement within the company.
2) Create a kick-ass resume (Coming soon: find out how to do that here)
3) Search
Google, Indeed, Monster and the like can give you a general idea of the openings out there. Keep in mind, you’ll want to search for a variation of the title you want to secure. Search using different keywords related to the industry and position you’re looking for.
Your network of friends, family and professional contacts on LinkedIn and Facebook tend to be even more powerful.
Have a job currently and don’t want your employer to find out your looking? Privately message your friends and ask them to post on their LinkedIn or Facebook page something to this effect: “A friend of mine is looking for a new career opportunity in Central Ohio. He is an accounting manager with 10 years of experience in the non-profit world. Let me know if your company is hiring or you know of any positions available. I’d love to connect him with you.”
I’m a firm believer in the phrase, “It’s WHO you know” when it comes to securing a job. Sure, you can hate that it’s this way or that it’s “unfair,” but it’s reality. You need to expand and utilize your network.
DID YOU KNOW that some professionals estimate that 70-80% of jobs never even get posted?! (source)
Relationship building (networking) is such a critical piece of the professional world. It shouldn’t just be utilized when you need to find a job. It’s important to maintain relationships while you’re employed too. (Coming soon: Learn 5 ways to maintain your professional network)
4) Research
Find out how long the company you’re interested in has been established, how many employees they have, what their services are, if they have clients – who their clients are, where the job location is, etc. Is it still a company that you’re interested in?
5) Connect
Connect and message individuals on LinkedIn that work for the company you’re interested in and let them know you’re interested in XXX role that’s open at the company and would love any insight they may have about working there. (Coming soon: Read about the do’s and don’ts of connecting with people on LinkedIn)
6) Submit your resume
… to a person, if possible. Avoid submitting a resume to an online database. Try to get in touch with the HR manager or an employee who might be able to connect you to the right person.
7) Follow up. Get the interview.
Call or email approximately two days later to confirm the company received your resume. Tell them you’re very interested in the position and would love an opportunity to be interviewed. Ask if they have an idea of when they might be reviewing the applicants and when you can check back. Thank them for taking the time to speak with you.
8) Dress for success.
Make sure you leave a good impression. I spoke with one of my friends who is a hiring manager. She had a job candidate show up in torn jeans and a sweatshirt because she was in a hurry that day. If you can’t make time for the interview, how can they expect you to make time for the job?
9) Nail the interview. (Coming soon: How to run your interview)
Interviews are meant to be a two-way conversation, not just you getting drilled with questions. Be sure that you have prepared a list of questions you may have about the company and the position. When you have specific questions about the role, it shows you are genuinely interested and want to make sure the position is a good fit for the company and yourself.
Be sure to talk about how your skills can benefit this particular company and position. Talk about how past experiences have prepared you for this next step.
10) Send a thank you.
Whether it’s sending an email thanking the interviewer for his or her time or handwriting a letter to mail the next day, it’s a personal touch that goes a long way.
These 10 tips can help you to land a career you’re passionate about and will make you stand out among a long list of applicants.
