9 Steps to Getting that Job
If you’re actively job hunting, you’ve probably discovered that there are jobs out there. However, because you have so much competition, you also may be finding it difficult to generate a response from your efforts. If you’ve been focused on submitting your resume to job openings found on job boards, job search engines, Craigs List and in local newspapers, but have received few follow up calls and even fewer interview requests, then it’s time to develop a better strategy. Here are nine steps to help you get the job you want.
1. Identify not only the position you want (and are qualified for) but the companies you’d like to work for. Learn everything you possibly can about each company: its mission, work culture, what makes it unique and competitive, the qualities they look for in employees, and so on. If you believe that you and the company are a good fit, find someone who works there who would be willing to talk with you and provide additional insight.
2. Be sure to target companies that need what you have to offer. Prospective employers are going to be looking at what you can do for them, so think in terms of adding value to the company. Get very clear on what problem the hiring manager needs to solve with this hire and present yourself as their ideal recruit (provided you are!). Be ready to demonstrate how you’ve added value and solved similar problems for other companies by listing on your resume quantifiable results you achieved that added to the bottom line (rather than duties you performed).
3. Ramp up your networking efforts. Locate people who work in the companies you’re interested in through social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. Take the time to build rapport before inquiring about job openings. With a little luck, you can develop relationships with people who will let you know as soon as the right job opens up, or who may even offer an introduction or to put in a good word for you. At the very least, they may be willing to give you advice on how to approach the person you need to speak with. Remember, while online social sites are a boon, people you run into every day can also provide good job leads. Be sure to have extra resumes with you at all times and let people know you’re looking.
4. While networking is a powerful job hunting tool, don’t abandon other sources of information about job openings. Be strategic about using job boards, job search engines, local newspapers and other sources.
5. Make sure your cover letter is top notch. Never send out generic cover letters. Instead, gear each one directly to the company. Use the information you collected in Step 1 to convey how much you want to work for THIS company by mentioning something about the company that impresses you. Also, briefly demonstrate experience you have in solving the problems they need solved – how you are the person who can help them achieve important company goals.
6. Follow up after sending out your resume. Make a follow-up phone call or send a follow-up email asking if you can schedule an interview. Chances are the hiring managers has a lot of resumes to sort through. Being proactive can make you stand out while demonstrating that you’re willing to take the initiative. However, be careful not to seem pushy, overly confident or arrogant.
7. Send a thank-you note after each interview. It’s common courtesy to thank the employer for his or her time. Chances are the person who sends a thank-you note will win out over equally qualified candidates who don’t.
8. If you sent a thank-note and don’t hear anything within the decision-making timeframe you were given, make another follow-up call. Be polite but gently persistent. This shows you’re really interested in the job, and keeps you in the forefront of the hiring manager’s mind.
9. Make job-hunting your full time job. Continue to broaden your network. Contact individuals every day with the goal of getting referrals and setting up interviews.
http://blog.resumebear.com/featured-articles/9-steps-to-getting-that-job/
No comments:
Post a Comment