|
Avoid Job Hunting Sins : Sure, there are obvious job hunting sins no one should make, like sending off an unpolished résumé, but there are also less apparent ones - getting attached to a position, leading an unfocused search - that are important to address, too.
Have a Productive Weekend : Whether you're currently employed and looking for a new gig or you have other priorities during the week, there are certain job hunting strategies best saved for the weekend. Next time Saturday rolls around, seize opportunities like meeting with a professional contact who doesn't have time during the week, shop for a suit, or plan the week ahead.
Use Google Doc Templates: If there's a tool out there to help make the job search easier, you should at least try it once. One of the most effective and cheapest (read: free) ones for organizing your job search is Google Doc Templates. Use them to download relevant templates like Networking Tracker and customize them based on your applications.
Prevent Résumé Red Flags : Spelling mistakes and other typos aren't the only top résumé mistakes a job seeker can make. Including irrelevant info, being vague about your achievements, or listing a tacky email are just a few of the others to avoid.
Take Advantage of Social Media : By now we know how important personal networking is, but because of its nature, we don't always consider social networking a powerful tool in the job hunt. But it really is - recruiters use it to scout potential hires and you will do yourself a big favor if you stand out on your account by being creative and active (but not overdoing it) and following other essential tips.
Stay Upbeat : A job hunt can be a draining processes, but no matter how things play out (hey, rejections happen to the best of us), it's incredibly important to find ways keep a positive attitude through it all. While that might be easier said than done, studies have shown that staying positive ensures a better chance of scoring a gig and people who stayed upbeat during their hunt found jobs after four months.
Master the Cover Letter: You can never hear too many tips for writing the perfect cover letter - it's just as a much of make-or-break factor as your résumé. A couple of things to keep in mind: focus on the company, not yourself, and tweak your tone for every application. And while you're at it, get familiar with cover letter mistakes to avoid.
Ask For a Personal Job Referral: If you happen to know someone at a company where your ideal position has just popped up - great! But that doesn't mean you can just tell your friend about your interest and things will magically come together. There are still dos and don't for asking for a personal job referral that can make a big difference.
Practice Job Interview Questions: Whether you have an interview lined up or you're still waiting for one, there's plenty of use in practicing your answers to the most common job questions. From "Why do you want to work for us?" to "What is your biggest weakness?", be well prepared, and you'll be 10 steps ahead of the game.
|