So you never got the call that said you made the cut - because you were cut. The job hunt can be brutal as you bounce from interview to interview, if you even make it that far. A variety of reasons go into an employer's decision about who their new hire will be. Sometimes it's a matter of simply not fitting in with the company culture, but sometimes the reasons are more controllable, such as simply not being at the top of your game during the interview.
It pays to be persistent. View over 11,000 open jobs.So what's a savvy job seeker to do? One thing is certain. The lack of response is an opportunity for you to rethink your current approach so you stand out from start to finish. The workplace is evolution in motion. It's the fittest who survive.
Here are 5 common reasons why job seekers miss the boat, and what you can implement today to shift the tide back your way.
1. Networking: Who Knew That Who You Knew Actually Mattered?
Successful people, that's who. If you, a potentially perfect person for the job, were up against several other potentially perfect people, chances are the one chosen had some connection to someone at the company. In fact,
employee referrals get hired 55% faster than those who apply through job sites. Connecting with the right people on LinkedIn is a genius first move. Ninety-three percent of recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates. Make sure your profile is at the
top if its game. So whether connecting over social media, or implementing some
guerilla networking tactics, make sure to get connected. guerilla
2. Disregarding the Importance of Company Culture
Behind the scenes of daily business
every company has its unique culture. Top, professional fully laced-up corporations will be eons apart from the relaxed startup world where flip-flops may be the norm, and success is based on productivity rather than strict 9-5 hours. Understanding your own expectations and that of your prospective employer ensures that you don't waste your time or theirs by applying for a job that doesn't fit you. The right company culture should feel natural and allow you to be your best self.
3. Being Unprepared
Don't go for "settling" kinds of jobs - recruiters can sense a lack of interest a mile away. Choose positions and companies that align with your own vision. No interview should feel like an interrogation. It's also about you researching and interviewing potential employers to find the right job that will ensure your growth and success. Ask questions to show you're interested in ensuring a true fit. Employers take notice of savvy, strategic job seekers. The most successful candidates know who they are, what they're looking for, and
ask the right questions to ensure they meet their personal goals.
4. Applying Too Late
Once a job is published online, if you don't apply immediately, the chances of receiving a call back decrease significantly. Recruiters are much more apt to pay attention to resumes that arrive within 72 hours of job posting. Next time you see a job that fits your goals, move fast. If you've been scouting the company for some time waiting for the right position to open up, you'd ideally have prepared by connecting with the right people so you can accompany your resume with an internal referral.
5. Submitting a Forgettable Resume
On average, recruiters looking at stacks of resumes give them a 6-second glance to decide if they are worth a longer look. That's
6 seconds to a great impression. No pressure. Too many job seekers stay within a pre-defined safe zone, following certain rules and "best practices" they've read about to make the right impression. Dr. Stanislav Gali, CEO of Unifer and Expert Innovator, recommends creativity. Recruiters may
seem mechanical when perusing your life story for keywords. But remember. They are just like you. Adding an unexpected or delightful element to a recruiter's day gets you noticed. Accompanying your new
story-telling resume with an
outstanding video CV, and even adding the slightest touch of humor, can be the thing that makes your extensive skill set stand apart.
Don't leave your job search success to chance. With a few tweeks to your current approach, you could be the next hire in a job you love.
Start applying now.
