Everyone wants to be noticed by potential employers and build a solid professional network that will increase their chances of scoring a better gig. In today's competitive job market, however, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. Check out this article to find out what are the three essential things you must do to snag a job fast.
As a job seeker, you don't have it easy. The stronger U.S. economy and increased employer confidence should continue to bolster job gains, but the market is still extremely competitive. If you're looking to snag a job in the near future, you might have to up your game a notch. Applying for jobs online or sending in bland resumes won't cut it anymore. You need to find a way to dazzle your dream employer and convince them you would be the perfect fit for the company. Don't worry – it might take some work, but it's not that difficult as it may seem at first sight.
One of my friends was recently looking to change careers, and she was frustrated by the lack of response from job ads. When she asked me for help, I encouraged her to become proactive instead of waiting around for the perfect gig to fall into her lap. I helped her craft a more appealing resume and she started to reach out to the companies she always wished to work for. She sent in her resume and advertised her availability. She began attending networking events that put her on the map. She embraced social media. Two months later, she was employed by a startup who noticed her due to her Twitter activity. She was ecstatic.
Job hunting isn't something we do every once in a while anymore – it has turned into a constant activity for most professionals. Even people who are happy with their current employers are still keeping their options open, in case something even better pops up. The Internet allows us to fortify our personal brand and showcase our achievements. If you know how to leverage this, you're golden.
To create a good impression on any future employer, you must look like the best candidate you can be. Here's how to pull this off, in three easy steps.
Spice Up Your Resume
Your resume is your calling card; it needs to allow you to present the best side of yourself. Use a professional email address and keep it brief – no longer than 2 pages of A4. Incorporate industry keywords and buzzwords into your resume and use a modern, professional format. Also, don't overuse fancy fonts and colors and proofread it a couple of times before sending it out. If you're a creative, think outside of the box.
Another common piece of advice many job seekers ignore: tailor your resume to the job. Only include skills and experience that are relevant to the position you're applying for. You want your resume to tell a story and convince the employer that you're the best fit for the job. Don't burden them with useless information.
Stand Out on Social Media
Online reputation has become a significant factor in helping employers make hiring decisions. Recruiters will most likely Google you before asking you in for an interview, so make sure that all your profiles on social networks look professional. My personal rule: never share anything online you wouldn't want your grandmother to read. Works like a charm.
Besides crafting a LinkedIn profile, take advantage of other social platforms to advertise your skills, network, and let people know you're searching for a new professional opportunity. Twitter can be particularly useful – you can follow influencers from the industry and connect with employees from the companies you're targeting. Forbes has a great article on how social media can help (or hurt) your job search.
Ace the Interview
If you've been to a few job interviews already, you likely know how to make a good impression. TestUP has a great refresher course, just in case. Key points: dress to impress, make eye contact, smile, ask questions. Also, do your homework prior to the big meeting. Find out everything you can about the company and the position you're eyeing. This will show the interviewer that you're seriously interested in the job.
The more proactive you are, the better your chances of landing a great gig. Consider the tips above and job searching won't seem that difficult any more.
Do you have any other tips that might help? Sign off in the comments!
