Whether you have been seeking work for a while, or you are just re-entering the job market, finding a job can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your results.
Here are three tips to help you navigate your job search with confidence, and earn that coveted interview!
Have a Game Plan.
When approaching a job search, the first thing you should do as a candidate is to put some thought into your long-term goals. This step will allow you to adjust your application strategy accordingly.
When you are eagerly seeking employment and aren’t seeing results, it can be tempting to apply to anything in hopes of generating a response. This strategy may prove counterproductive. First, it dilutes the effort you could be devoting to the most promising employment prospects, and secondly, can leave you feeling even more frustrated and discouraged because a blanket application approach is less likely to yield results.
If your goal is to secure employment as soon as possible, it is important to make sure that the positions to which you are applying are appropriate given your work history and skill level. Look for positions that enable you to build upon skills you already have and, ideally, offer you the opportunity to develop skills that will take you to the next level and move you closer to your long-term career goals.
Tailor Your Resume.
The overall objective of a resume is to let an employer know, with clarity, that you have the skills they are looking for to address their immediate hiring needs. While it should be an accurate description of your work history and skills, what matters most is relevancy.
It is likely that the employer is receiving dozens of resumes for each position they are hiring for, so it is crucial that you are making sure you stand out. This is accomplished by tailoring your resume to the specific position you are applying for. Thoroughly read the job description, paying close attention to any keywords they are using and any specific skills they are looking for. Use this information to determine if you are the right fit for the job. If you are, then make sure that the resume clearly demonstrates that you have what they are looking for.
This one step can make all the world of difference in helping the employer envision you being successful in the role and making immediate contributions to their organization.
Triple Check Everything.
Inevitably, we all make mistakes! That’s okay, but the fact remains that you never get a second chance at making a first impression. When you are preparing to send off that resume or application to a potential employer, being thorough is essential.
In addition to using a text editor, double check the finished product yourself and even ask a grammar-savvy friend to do the same before you click send. While a spelling error or misplaced punctuation mark may not sound like a big deal in theory, it can say a lot about your attention to detail and your commitment to quality work.
When a recruiter is sifting through applications and determining who to select for an interview, your resume serves as that first impression – the only piece of information they initially have to evaluate you on. So make it count.
If you are currently looking for employment, we encourage you to contact your local Manpower office today. We look forward to helping you find your next great career!
