As a job seeker, your hope is that every action you take will lead to your next career – an opportunity to make income and have a satisfying work experience. While the end goal is to get the offer, there are several steps that come before that, and even before the interview. Today’s online application atmosphere can make job searching frustrating and hard to manage.
Here are a few tips on how to manage your job search:
Organize
Get organized by cleaning up your resume and online profile. Make sure all your most current information is listed, including your most recent job and tasks. Call your references to make sure they are willing and available to answer calls from prospective employers and to insure you have the most up-to-date information for them.
Get Specific
Get really clear on what type of job you want, and where. Look at job descriptions and use the same type of wording in your resume to match your job history. Rather than using a “shot-gun” approach that will wear you out and waste time, be strategic in the positions you are looking for and spend time learning about the company and the hiring agent to write a cover letter specific to them.
Automate
Have easy access to information you will want to put on any application, such as references, job history, and schooling in one place so you can “automate” the online process. It wastes time to have to look everything up each time you submit information, so have it all handy.
Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or document to track URLs, usernames, and passwords so you can easily reference them if you need to go back to them.
Follow Directions
The fastest way to be disqualified from moving forward in the hiring process is to ignore directions. If the job posting asks for you to apply online, don’t fax a resume. If they tell you to submit answers to three questions along with your application, do so. Some people think that by doing it differently, they may stand out, but really it just looks like you didn’t pay attention.
If you want to stand out, consider following directions and then doing a follow up call or send a note. Thank you notes after the interview are a nice touch.
Be Professional Everywhere and Always
Your first impression doesn’t start at the interview, rather at the very first connection the employer has with any communication you provide. Make sure your application, resume, email inquiry, etc. are all professional and tactful.
While seeking employment, keep your social media profiles private and professional. While employers may not check your online reputation, they could, and it is better safe than sorry.
If you are in search of employment opportunities in Colorado, let Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) help you find your next position. CNS is a leader in staffing, staff augmentation, and contract management by acting as a sole human resource provider for our clients. Our employing companies are looking for the best and brightest talent, and trust us to provide exactly that. Contact us at 303-430-1441, and discover why our clients come to us to fill their staffing needs, and get started in your new career faster.
