If you’re just beginning a new job search, odds are there are things you don’t know about the process that could help. And even some things you think you know may not be exactly right in today’s job market.
I recently spoke with a friend who hadn’t searched for a job in many years. And I realized how much those of us in the job search business think is common knowledge — yet is not part of the knowledge base for otherwise intelligent, educated folks.
So I put together a list of things that I think would be useful for any job seeker to know. But especially someone new to the process — or rusty after many years. While some of these may seem obvious at first, I’m betting there are at least one or two tips here that can help get you to a job you want!
Beginning job search “must knows”
1. Some of the best jobs are not listed — and some never listed. So if you rely only on online job boards you’ll be competing with everyone else, but missing some gems. The real insider knows to look for (as of now) unlisted jobs through direct solicitation and / or someone connected to the company.
Also, keeping an eye on the news and following companies you’d like to work for on social media / Google alerts can give you a heads-up on what they’re up to. And can cue you in to possible new openings.
2. Networking / insider champions. Closely related to the previous tip, having a real live human helping you can make all the difference. Most of my best jobs came to me via people I once worked for, folks I met through volunteer work, or even once someone I met at a barbecue. More on networking here.
3. You need to research each company. The more you know about them, the smarter your questions about the company can be during an interview. Also it will help you target your replies to their needs when answering questions.
Plus, by researching the names of key staff and (if they have) board members, you may find someone who can connect you to them for networking purposes.
4. Phone interviewers look for a good skill fit, but also energy & communication skills. Even if you answer all the questions correctly, if your energy is low and / or they just don’t feel a connection (depending on your competition), the interviewer may not recommend you for the next step.
You don’t have to be Mr. or Ms. Personality … just move around before the interview to get your blood flowing. And try smiling as you respond to put some positivity in your voice. Even if you’re nervous (it’s normal), good energy as you answer helps. So does good listening and answering what they actually ask.
5. Automated and AI screening vs human screening. Although not always the best way to pick the best candidates, many companies now use some form of automation to screen submissions. So unless you make an effort to carefully target each resume / cover letter / application to the specific job, you may never get noticed.
The words programmed (by real humans) to screen out unqualified people can’t detect the whole you — just the parts that fit their job description. So you need to help the computers see the match as best you can using key words and phrases.
6. Key words and phrases are needed on resumes, cover letters, applications, and even social media profiles like LinkedIn. Synonyms may not be spotted by programmed screening. So check the job description carefully and try to include essential requirements as they state them, as well as quantifiable results and major accomplishments for later review.
More info bits…
7. Using social media and online resources for job search. We are in a time where these can help you find jobs as well as people to connect to. They may also get you found for an interview or when reviewing your hireability.
So PLEASE Google yourself to make sure no embarrassing or hurtful images / posts come up. Your online reputation matters. More about that here.
8. Transferable skills may get you past explicit requirements. This is especially important for anyone returning to the job market or trying to switch careers. It’s not always going to work (screening can be cruel), but your cover letter may find receptive eyes.
Using a cover letter to explain how one set of skills / experiences can easily adapt to the new job (transferable skills) can sometimes get you an interview. Especially if you only have some of the stated job requirements. It’s worked for me more than once — both for my own career and in hiring.
9. Resumes do get read at some point. Even if you apply online, once past the screening hurdles and in an actual interview, your resume and (cover letter) will be front and center in most cases. So make sure you present the best picture of you for each job. And targeting a resume, cover, etc. as mentioned above is key.
An interviewer wants to quickly see why they should care. But you also need to carefully check for typos and presentation. Impressions matter — and bad impressions can get you quickly eliminated. If you don’t take the time to care about what you prepare for their eyes, they often see that “laziness” as how you’ll be on the job.
10. Calling too often can get you rejected. I know you want to stand out and be remembered, but you don’t want to be remembered as impatient or high maintenance. Getting in touch after the interview via a thank you note is a great idea. Continuing to call or email not so smart.
Give them a a couple weeks. Hiring takes time. And then maybe a brief, well-written note saying you’re still interested. You can also add anything that may be new about you and relevant.
11. It’s not just about your skills. Interviews make most people nervous. (It’s not just you.) And so often we hold back on being ourselves to deliver facts about our skills and experience. But interviewers are just people (mostly) and influenced by your energy and connection chemistry.
Most of all, companies want to hire someone they’d like to work with who they can rely on to do the job but also add to the company’s success beyond what’s required.
12. No is not always no. When you get rejected, you do need to keep looking. That should always be true until you have an accepted offer in writing. But if you like the company and think they liked you, feel free to stay in touch with anyone you especially clicked with. You can even send a “rejection thank you” note to help continue the conversation:
Job search takes time
When beginning a new job search, it’s normal to want things to move along as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, a company has other things going on. And even top candidates may not hear back for a while.
Although I hope not the case for you, I once waited 3 months with zero feedback only to learn that I was their top candidate. Things happen that get in the way. Things you can’t control. And even the company can’t control.
But your best bet is to keep looking. You never know when an even better fit might come along. Plus, just sitting and waiting for a dream job (which might not even be one in reality) can drive you nuts. So keep yourself busy … and please keep looking!
⇒ 12 Ways to Stay Sane Waiting After a Job Interview
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