An effective job seeking and applying for the preferred position is usually a long-term process that requires careful planning, follow-through, perseverance, and a positive attitude. This process is not as simple as updating a resume and sending it to as many prospective employers as possible. Moreover, this is diligent but at the same time pleasant work that involves selecting appropriate job search engines, researching career options, identifying relevant job advertisements, making a professional and appealing resume, writing successful cover letters, preparing for interviews, and so on.
Trying to find a job without a plan in many cases leads to stress and disappointment. Therefore it is necessary to develop an organized schedule to follow and outline the steps you will take each day.
Following are tips for guiding you through the job applying process and helping you with developing strategies to reach your career goals.
- Research about the company you are applying for
Researching the company will give you an insight into their future goals and plans, and during the interview discussing these points will make you more competitive. The company website helps you know if the company is not a scam and you are in the right place and dealing with the right people. In addition, it gives you valuable information you can reference in your cover letter or interview.
- Update your social media profiles
Employers never miss an opportunity to get additional information about who you are outside the confines of a resume, cover letter, or interview. And whether you like it or not, they visit your social media profiles to check what content you post, what values you promote, and what life you live. Before you apply for the position, review your privacy settings and make sure anything visible to the public is appropriately professional.
So, if you have not updated your account in several months, please fix it immediately.
- Write a visually appealing cover-letter
A cover letter is all about making a great first impression and giving your job application the best chance of success. It is the main pointer to getting your resume noticed or discarded, the best way to introduce yourself professionally and show the value you could bring to the role you are applying for. A cover letter shows why you are interested in the particular role, and that you have done your research about the company or organization.
A well-written cover letter must be free of all grammatical errors. You can’t get a hiring manager to read a cover letter filled with the mistakes of a prospective job seeker, it’s a total turn-off. Your cover letter should also not be too long or too short, so make it as clear as possible by specifying what is needed. It should be noted that most employers want to see that you are truly excited about a particular position and company, which means that you must create a personalized letter for each position you are applying for.
- Make a strong and professional resume
A good resume is vital because it is your chance to show your qualifications and skills, why you are the best fit for the job, and how you could thrive in that position. So, for making a good impression and becoming more competitive is very necessary before starting work on writing or updating a resume to follow these tips:
- review resume examples from your industry
- select a style and format that best highlights your strengths and achievements
- choose a clear, readable font
- keep it short: no more than two pages
- write a custom resume for every job
- include only the most relevant and important information first
- Include all your contact information so that employers can easily get in touch with you
- before sending a resume proofread it
- Prepare for a job interview
The interview is probably the most decisive step you will take in your job search process. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so you will do your best to prepare for your interview ahead of time.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Make sure to arrive at the interview on time
- Make sure you get your outfit cleaned, ironed, and presentable
- Always greet your interviewer with a friendly smile and firm handshake
- Remember your resume details
- Bring five or six copies of your resume to every interview
- Practice your answers to the most common interview questions
- Be ready to handle illegal and inappropriate questions (questions about your race, age, gender, religion, marital status, and sexual orientation)
- Prepare some interesting and smart questions when it’s your turn to ask
- Close on a positive note
- Write a thank-you note after every interview
If you follow these steps before applying for a job, you will surely be better prepared and guaranteed to stand out from other job seekers. Good luck!
