Table of Contents
Whether you’re a seasoned professional ready to change jobs, or just getting into the job market, or anywhere in between, you’ll want to be sure your job search techniques are updated and ready. It doesn’t matter if you’re finding jobs online or at a job fair. It doesn’t matter is you’re handing out a paper resume or posting it to a job board. What matters is that you have prepared well.
Is your resume up to date?
It should include your current position.
As a hiring manager, I can tell you that it is difficult to take a candidate seriously if they have not done the preparation necessary for a job search.
I have had numerous people tell me they didn’t get around to, or didn’t have time, or just didn’t update their resume. It made me wonder if I was speaking with someone who tends to cut corners. Then it makes me wonder if they will just not get around to doing a thorough job if I hire them.
Your resume is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your abilities.
I understand that your time is limited and what does it matter anyway?
I’m just telling you that, after many, many years of experience, it matters.
Can your cover letter be easily customized for each potential position?
A completely generic cover letter is actually worse than no cover letter at all.
Take the time to write a letter specific to each job. There are many free cover letter templates available. Just be sure to change each enough so that it is clear that you were thinking specifically about the job for which you are applying.
Focus on something specific in the ad and talk about the skills that you have that speak to it.
The letter doesn’t have to be long. Just show the interviewer that you have skills that match what they are looking for. Don’t try for an exact match – that could look a little dishonest. Just pick something and speak to it.
Read more about resumes and cover letters here.
For a complete checklist of what you need for your job search, click here. (It’s free!)
Do your email address and voicemail reflect your most professional, employable self?
Don’t make your potential new employer email you at a cute, sexy or strange email address. While these are great for your personal life, you need a professional sounding email address for your job search.
If your current address is not the way you want to present yourself to a potential employer, get a free email address from Yahoo or Google and use it exclusively for your job search.
Your voicemail should say, simply, “You have reached [your full name]. Please leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
If your current voicemail is very far away from that and you don’t want to change it during your job search, you can purchase a cheap pre-paid phone and use that number on your applications.
This is why your email address and voicemail are so important:
They speak to good judgment.
As hiring managers, we are not just looking for people who have the skills to do the job. Perhaps even more importantly, we are looking for people who are going to use good judgment on the job.
I don’t mind teaching the specific skills of the job to someone who uses good judgment. I can’t teach good judgment to someone, even if they have the job skills.
I have chosen not to contact candidates, even who look like they have the skills I am looking for, because of things like an inappropriate email address. This is the time to put forth your very best effort.
Please trust me on this one.
If you want to change jobs, are you able to answer the question of why you’re looking for a job?
Even if you really hate your current job and your employer treats you horribly (I’m sorry if that’s true), you’ll want to be able to explain your job search without saying that.
You never want to speak badly about your current or any past employer at a job interview. Even if everything you say is completely true, it won’t project the competent, professional image that you want.
Explain that you’re looking for new opportunities. Or explain that you’re not completely sure you’re ready to leave, but the position for which you are applying sounds particularly interesting.
If you’re new to the job market, are you prepared to explain what you can bring to a position, even with your limited experience?
You will want to have some knowledge of the field for which you are applying. Maybe it works with your college major. Maybe this just sounded really interesting to you because…
If you’re applying for your first job, you don’t need to fake experience. You do need to know what you can bring to the table.
Some examples:
I’ve always been able to stay cool under pressure (if applying, for instance, for a customer service job)
I’ve always enjoyed being active and moving around (if applying at a warehouse, restaurant, retail, anywhere that requires more moving than sitting)
I was always the one in my family to take care of my grandmother (if applying for a direct care position)
Do not say anything that is not true. Just think about the position for which you are applying and have in your mind what you can offer.
Your goal is to convince the interviewer that you will be able to help the employer meet its objectives
It is better to talk about what you can do for the employer than what this job is going to do for you.
We all need to work, so that’s a given.
We all need a paycheck, but we also want to feel that we are contributing. So, keep that in mind and talk about what the outcome will be for the employer if they hire you.
Be sure you have everything you need for your job search. Get my FREE Job Search Readiness Checklist here.
If you would like to be walked through the entire job search process, from preparation, to resume, to search, applications, references, accepting the job and getting through your first day, share this link with someone who wants to buy you a gift: Get Your First Job: 90-minute online course.
