- Customize Your Resume for Each Job
If you’ve been out of college for a while and your resume still lists your first internships, you’re probably better off creating one from scratch. Once it’s up to speed, you’re going to want to tailor it, quantify your bullet points, and cut it down to one page. And yes, you will have to go through this process for each new position you find. Mostly because the hiring manager’s only giving you six seconds unless you give him or her a reason to stick around longer.
- Customize Your Cover Letter
For starters, this means you need to address it to a person. And no, that person’s never named, “To Whom it May Concern.” And that it should open and close with attention-grabbing lines. Read more on how to write a cover letter.
- Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Then Actually Use It
LinkedIn is your new favorite form of social media when it comes to finding a job. You probably have a profile, but now you want to craft a great summary that sums up who you are, your professional experiences, and your future ambitions. You also want to personalize your headline, connect with people you know and don’t know but admire, and even attach some of your own work. such as portfolios, published articles, ads, or press releases.
- Get Your Online Presence in Order
As soon as a hiring manager looks at your resume, he or she immediately Googles you (OK, maybe not immediately, but if he or she’s interested, it will happen at some point). Which means that everything on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even Pinterest is instantly a part of your application.
So how do you manage your social media for career success? Make sure that all public platforms are professional. That doesn’t mean you only share the latest from Forbes. But it does mean there’s nothing (nothing!) that could be interpreted badly. When in doubt, change your settings and make them private.
- Network
The rumors are true: The more people you know, the easier it will be to get a job. So you’re going to have to get out and do some networking. Networking comes in all forms, so no matter if you’re introverted or extroverted, there’s always a way for you to connect with the right people. Emphasis on the right way.
You’ll want to start by reaching out to your own network and letting them know you’re looking for a new job. Then, the more uncomfortable part, asking strangers for help. It’s easier than you would imagine!
- Be Deliberate When Applying to Jobs
One common misconception about the search is that you should apply to as many jobs as possible, but this is definitely not the case. Instead, you want to spend time doing your research, filling out your applications, and only applying for positions you’re actually qualified for and interested in.
- Prepare for the Interview
If you land an interview, congrats! Now, before you walk into that meeting, you should practice how you’ll answer some common questions. You also want to have in your repertoire a collection of stories you can tell about your past experiences and how you overcame obstacles. And when the interviewer goes to ask you if you have any questions, you’ll want to come prepared with several good ones. Basically, this is your chance to show the hiring manager who you are and why you’d be a great fit for the company.
When that’s over, you’re down to the final steps. Such as sending a thank you mail. Those few lines could make all the difference. And if you still haven’t heard back after two or three weeks, try following up with the hiring manager to show you’re still interested in the position.
- Remember That This Process Takes Time
You’ll probably start your search super-excited to get started. Then it’ll drag on and on and you’ll find an excuse to quit. Don’t!
This is a long process especially if you know exactly what you want (which is good!). Your application has to get the attention of busy recruiters, hiring managers, and yes, some robots. It’s exhausting, But the more effort you put in, the greater your chances of getting that interview.