With the economy down and the high job seeker to job ratio, it is easy to become discouraged. Landing an interview isn't impossible, but it does require hard work and a lot of patience. The high level of competition out there only means that job seekers have to be more creative in their job search and show prospective employers why they are different from the rest of the pack. Job seekers have to impress prospective employers with their skills and abilities. Below are seven tips on how to land that interview.
1. Network, Network, Network...
With about 90% of jobs never being advertised, it seems the best way to learn about evolving job leads is through word or mouth. Only about 10% of job openings are ever advertised. The best way to get a job is through your contacts. A personal referral is the best way to ensure that your resume reaches the top of the pile.
2. Make Contact before Sending Out Your Resume...
Making contact with the hiring manager asking questions a job advertisement show enthusiasm and interest in the job. The hiring manager is less likely to discard your resumé if you connect before you send it out. If the job advertisement clearly states "No call" skip this step.
3. Create a Targeted Cover Letter for Each Job...
Hiring managers read 100's of resumes a week. The last thing they want is to read a generic, one size fits all cover letter and resumé. Write a targeted cover letter for each position you are applying for and end it with a promise of action. Wrap up your cover letter with something like "Thank you for your consideration, I will be following up in a few days to discuss the possibility of an interview."
4. Follow Up...
If you say that you are going to follow up than follow up. Not only will not doing so be seen as unprofessional, it can ruin your chances of establishing a solid lead on jobs. With that said, always follow up on cover letters and resumes. This will remind the hiring manager and/or recruiter that you are interested in the job. This doesn't mean that this is an open invitation to stalk the hiring manager. Keeping in mind that nothing will guarantee you an interview, following up is one way of networking with a potential employer and contact.
5. Utilize Social Media...
The rise of social media has resulted in many companies recruiting job candidates via social media sites including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Establishing an online presence is essential to online networking. Social Media sites offer job seekers with a great way to advertise their skills and the ability to network with recruiters and target companies.
6. Know your Strengths...
Knowing your strengths will help you identify what you have to offer a potential employer. This is also one of the questions that is always asked during an interview. I will also assist you in targeting companies that hire people with the same strengths.
7. Apply for Jobs you are Qualified for...
With all the 100's of resumes that hiring managers review every week, the last thing they want to see is a resumé from a candidate who isn't remotely qualified for the position. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply for jobs in which you aren't completely qualified. By applying to jobs in which you are between 85-95% qualified will ensure that you are adequately qualified for the position complete with a little growing room.
1. Network, Network, Network...
With about 90% of jobs never being advertised, it seems the best way to learn about evolving job leads is through word or mouth. Only about 10% of job openings are ever advertised. The best way to get a job is through your contacts. A personal referral is the best way to ensure that your resume reaches the top of the pile.
2. Make Contact before Sending Out Your Resume...
Making contact with the hiring manager asking questions a job advertisement show enthusiasm and interest in the job. The hiring manager is less likely to discard your resumé if you connect before you send it out. If the job advertisement clearly states "No call" skip this step.
3. Create a Targeted Cover Letter for Each Job...
Hiring managers read 100's of resumes a week. The last thing they want is to read a generic, one size fits all cover letter and resumé. Write a targeted cover letter for each position you are applying for and end it with a promise of action. Wrap up your cover letter with something like "Thank you for your consideration, I will be following up in a few days to discuss the possibility of an interview."
4. Follow Up...
If you say that you are going to follow up than follow up. Not only will not doing so be seen as unprofessional, it can ruin your chances of establishing a solid lead on jobs. With that said, always follow up on cover letters and resumes. This will remind the hiring manager and/or recruiter that you are interested in the job. This doesn't mean that this is an open invitation to stalk the hiring manager. Keeping in mind that nothing will guarantee you an interview, following up is one way of networking with a potential employer and contact.
5. Utilize Social Media...
The rise of social media has resulted in many companies recruiting job candidates via social media sites including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Establishing an online presence is essential to online networking. Social Media sites offer job seekers with a great way to advertise their skills and the ability to network with recruiters and target companies.
6. Know your Strengths...
Knowing your strengths will help you identify what you have to offer a potential employer. This is also one of the questions that is always asked during an interview. I will also assist you in targeting companies that hire people with the same strengths.
7. Apply for Jobs you are Qualified for...
With all the 100's of resumes that hiring managers review every week, the last thing they want to see is a resumé from a candidate who isn't remotely qualified for the position. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply for jobs in which you aren't completely qualified. By applying to jobs in which you are between 85-95% qualified will ensure that you are adequately qualified for the position complete with a little growing room.
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