When it comes to looking for a job, many people go the same route—despite consistently weak results. They hit up their favorite job search site, and haunt it daily for new postings. While being on the lookout for the latest posts is important, there are a few key things you could be doing to not only streamline your efforts, but make sure that you get the best results possible.
How are your current efforts measuring up? Are you focused on starting and finishing strong? And if not, are you ready to get on the right track in your job search?
Compare this checklist against what you’re doing now to make sure you’re doing the job search right.
Know your goals
When sorting through lists of open jobs, it can be easy to become sidetracked by “good-enough” kinds of jobs that you don’t really care for. Know what you’re passionate about. Determine what you’re good at. Take an inventory of the jobs your specific skills are suited for. Then come up with several types of positions that you want to focus on.
Know the salary for your desired position
Salaries change across regions. You can check what employers are paying others in your desired job across the country with our new
salary guide. By knowing what the going rate is for your skills, you can start the salary discussion off on the right foot.
Revamp your resume
A shocking
70% of professionals in the U.S. aren’t sure if they are showcasing themselves in the best light on their resumes. But Microsoft and LinkedIn have teamed up to change all that with a little AI and a whole lot of insight. Talk to a recruiter to see what in-demand skills you should emphasize in your resume to make that vital first good impression.
Read more about the new tool.
Tailor your resume
Resumes are not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Your resume should showcase your specific skills. While you may be applying to a variety of positions, you should
tailor your resume for each job to emphasize the job-specific experience. If you have several jobs lined up that require the same skills and experiences, congratulations—you can apply quickly in bulk (but more on that later).
Strengthen your online profiles
Make sure that your social profiles, like LinkedIn, are up to date with your latest information. Create a strong summary section that showcases you and the benefit you bring to employers. Make sure that your public social profiles are consistent across the web (photo, summary, etc.). A majority of employers will check your online profiles to learn more about you, so make sure they’re showcasing you the way you want to be seen.
Team up with a recruiter
A recruiter can cut down your job search time by tapping into their network of companies looking for people just like you. Not only will they pre-screen you to find the best fit for you and your prospective employer, but they can give you vital information on the industry and crucial tips to put your best self forward with every touch.
Choose your references
Pre-select a mix of personal, academic and professional references who can speak to your abilities and work ethic. Keep your list handy so that you’re always ready when your interviewer asks.
Notify references
Get permission from your references in advance, and make sure they know that they might be receiving a call about you so they can be prepared to give you a rave review instead of fumbling to remember who you are.
Get certified
Having the right certifications under your belt can qualify you for jobs with higher salaries, and boost your chances of getting the job you really want. Sometimes, when a hiring manager must make a decision between the final two applicants, an additional certification or two could be the deciding factor. And with new
learning opportunities all around, you can easily boost your tech or
managerial skills with industry-specific certifications.
Quick apply
Applying to individual jobs can be a drag, especially when they’re all for the same type of job, or in the same industry. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking someone should create a tool to streamline the process, you’re in luck. With our Quick Apply tool, you can apply quickly and easily to a number of jobs at the same time.
Here’s how it works:
After you run a job search on CyberCoders.com, save the jobs you are interested in with a simple check mark. Then, go to your dashboard and click “Apply to all”. And just like that, you’re finished. Yes, finding a job can really be that simple.
Dress for success
The first impression doesn’t happen twice. Make sure that you’ve got at least one great interview-appropriate outfit so that you can make a stellar impression from the get-go.
Practice the interview
Knowing how to answer some of the most common interview questions can make your interview go down without a hitch, and leave the hiring manager feeling confident about your skills.
Check out this list of common questions.
Close the loop (Follow up)
Every process has a conclusion, and wrapping up your applications and
interview process as strongly as you started can make you stand out in a sea of applicants. After each interview, be sure to send a thank you note or letter to your interviewer, thanking them for their time and reiterating why you want (and are the right person for) the job.
Remember, starting and finishing strong is vital to the job search process. If you want to get in and stay in the running—and go for the win—make sure you’re incorporating these steps into your own job search.
