How many times have you applied for a job online, sent your resume and cover letter, only to get no response? Did the employer even see your qualifications? Here are some tips to help get your resume noticed.
Online or in person
Online services are using keywords to match employers to job seekers. Make sure to list your relevant skills. In an online service, these skill keywords are becoming essential.
Make contact in person. Even though the job search is becoming more and more automated, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting.
Get to know the hiring manager. The more they see you as motivated to be hired, the easier it will be for them. They do not want to sort through hundreds of resumes when it is time to fill the position. You want to be the first person that comes to mind.
Some suggest contacting the hiring manager by phone before sending a resume. This way, you know who to call when you follow up. Be prepared to express enthusiasm about the position.
Elevator pitch
Be prepared to make an elevator pitch about how you can contribute to the company and how you are qualified. When preparing your elevator speech, focus on why you want the job. Be honest about your background and who you are. Stay focused on why you are there.
Follow up
Follow up quickly. When you apply for a job, follow up the next day, especially if you applied online. If you sent a resume, follow up quickly. Follow up on interviews also. Follow ups can be done by phone, but remember in-person contact helps.
Keep a contact log: List the company names, addresses and phone numbers of each company you contact. Keep track of the dates of each contact. List interviews and the names of the interviewers. List the names of hiring managers or contact people.
Make sure they know who you are and present yourself in a positive way. You will have to be confident and able to walk the fine line between making yourself known and making yourself a nuisance.
Stay productive
Stay positive and productive. Make a schedule and stick to it: Most businesses are going to be ready from late morning until late afternoon. Try making job hunting a nine-to-five job.
Network
The best way to find out who is hiring and what you can expect is to ask people who know. Also, having a support network is important.
Set specific goals
Rejection will happen; it is part of the process. How you deal with rejection is important. Focus on long-term goals to help deal with rejection.
Develop skills
Find out what skills employers are looking for and try to develop those skills. There are online services that make it easy to find out what skills employers in specific industries are looking for and resources available to help you develop those skills.
Dress for success
Always dress appropriately for the interview. Dress as if you already have the job.
In conclusion, finding a job in today’s marketplace takes time and dedication, but it can be easy if you use the right methods. You have technology at your fingertips, and all the tried and true methods as well.
Article sources
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/stay-positive-and-productive-between-jobs-0417
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/get-the-interview
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/prepare-your-elevator-speech