Looking for a job?
If you’re reading this, the answer is probably yes.
Having fun?
The answer is probably no.
It’s not a fun process, until the end when you get hired, of course!
Seriously. It’s a lot of work looking for a new job. There are so many things to think of and do right – creating a resume, finding open positions, interviewing, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned IT professional.
Well, relax a little. We’re here to make your life, or at least your job search, a little easier.
Click here to read How to Optimize Your Job Search, A Compehensive Guide for Every Job Seeker
The job search is a process and each part of the process can trip you up if you’re not careful. Take a look at the best practices for these 4 critical parts and make sure that you’re doing them right!
1. Resume – Both formatting and content matter when it comes to your resume. Using a font like Verdana or Arial and avoiding things like pictures, tables, color, etc., can make a big difference in readability. Whether it’s an Applicant Track System or human eyes, simple formatting ensures that your qualifications are what get noticed.
Using the Problem, Action, Result (PARs) method will present your work experience in a way that shows what you can truly do. PARs helps you avoid vague statements and instead give information that shows measureable results and real accomplishments that are connected to the job you are applying for. Sound interesting? Check out more information here.
2. Networking – Do you know what networking in the 21st century entails? Of course it still means meeting people and asking for information and their help, but technology has expanded what you should be doing. In addition to face to face meetings, you want to use social media, email, and other online tools to enhance your chances of making a connection at a company you want to work at.
When you find a job that interests you, see if you know someone who works there. They can be a great source of information that will help you tailor your resume to emphasize your suitability, and they may be able to forward your resume to the right people. Finding connections that can help you is one of the biggest benefits of LinkedIn. Once you make a connection, you can network in 20th century fashion over coffee or lunch!
3. Interviewing – The interview is critical, there’s no arguing with that. And you are likely to have multiple interviews, and some via phone or video, as well as in person. How should you prepare?
First, in many ways there is almost no difference in preparation for phone, video or in person. You should do the same kind of research on the company and practice your answers to the questions you’ll likely face. You should dress appropriately But there are important additional steps to take for phone or video calls. You need to make sure you have a quiet place to speak, a good internet connection, and that you won’t be interrupted or distracted by others.
The interview is one of the most important parts of the job search process and there are many parts to it that you need to get right. Get all of our advice on how right here..
4. Follow Up – Is it impolite to send a thank you note via email? No, it’s preferable these days. Should you follow up if you don’t hear back? Maybe, but no more than once. If you don’t hear back it generally means that they’ve gone in a different direction. Don’t take it personally! There might have been a strong internal candidate all along, or factors the manager couldn’t control took over, like a hiring freeze. It may not be the nicest way to do business but the number of applicants and the workload of HR departments means that it isn’t always feasible to respond in detail or at all sometimes.
We like helping people find jobs. Obviously. It’s our business! So, we hope that the advice we provided is useful to job seekers everywhere. But one last piece of advice might be our best. Send us your resume, as is, right now, and let us help you. Our recruiters can tell pretty quickly whether you might be right for an open position that we have AND they’ll help you spiff up your resume and prepare for the interview. . If we don’t have something that’s a good fit right now, we’ll remember you when something does come up.
We really want everyone to be employed in a rewarding position at a great company and we’re happy to help, however we can!
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