Job hunting is something we all can relate to. Everyone has, at some point, searched for a job. You’re probably looking for one now. We can help! We’ve been around the job-hunting block. Try these tips to help with the hunt!
Identify your Skills and Interests
You don’t just want a job; you want THE job. You want to find The One. To ensure you land a job you’re happy with (the ideal job), it isn’t enough to consider what you’ve done well at previous jobs. Make a list of ALL your skills and interests. What talents do you have that you use in your daily life? What things do you enjoy doing outside of your 9-5? Those things matter! You want to do well at your next job, but you also want to enjoy it. Do you like to write in your free time? You could write for the company blog! Do you shine at communication in your personal life? Consider a project management role. These little details matter and can make the different between a job that only pays the bills and a career you love.
Focus on 3-5 Jobs
You’ll want to bring your A-game and put your “All” in this search. So, you don’t want to overload yourself with too many jobs at once during your search. Instead, try focusing on 3-5 of your top choices. Give them the attention you want from them. Research the company background, the people responsible for hiring in the department you’re looking to work with, the team you want to work with, and some other responsibilities outside of those listed on the posting that may become a part of the position after you’re hired. You can provide experience with more than the 10 or so responsibilities bulleted in their listing. Show them your passion for the company and what you can do for them!
Customize Resume and Cover Letter
Start speaking their language even before you land the job! Most job posters will put their company culture and cadence into their postings to give you an idea of the personality type and tone that will fit theirs. Pay attention to that and mirror it! They’re looking for their kind of people. The voice of the posting probably pulled you in, do the same for them in your resume summary and your cover letter. Customize your resume and cover letter for every position you’re applying to. You and these job posters are looking for people you’ll enjoy working with every day. If you know you’re that person, tell them.
Ask Questions
It’s nerve-wracking to think about sitting in a conference room being judged on everything you say and do, so it’s understandable to get consumed with preparing for the questions we’ll be asked. However, remember that you’re interviewing them too. Ask questions! When you’re prepping for your interview, think about the things that matter to you in a job (schedule, benefits, team atmosphere, professional development, etc.) and ask questions regarding those things. The only way to find out if the job is right for you is to ask.
Say Thank You
A simple thank-you goes a long way. It can be as easy as sending an email and it puts you ahead of the game. Almost one-third of job-hunters surveyed do not send a thank-you email or note after every interview. A thank-you makes the interviewer feel appreciated and keeps you on their mind. Stand out from the stack of resumes and give your potential new employer the warm and fuzzies with only a few words quickly typed and sent off.
What Do You Want?
It’s important to be clear with yourself, as much as your potential new employer, about what you want. Think about what you want to get out of this position, why you want it, and what makes you the best person to get it. A job interview is essentially a pitch, where you pitch yourself and your services as a great employee they can’t live without. After you’ve identified what you want and why you deserve it, the interview is the time to sell the employer on it. So, don’t be afraid to tell them what you want!
We hope these tips will help you succeed. Take a breath. You’re ready for this. We know you’re minutes away from finding that perfect listing that will soon become your next job title. Happy hunting! During your search, don’t forget to view our job listings on pdxMindShare!
