1.
When you are in search of a
good job, you may search job boards and the websites of employers you may like
to join. If you find a suitable vacancy, you should get a print of the details of
the job postings that you're interested in pursuing before you apply.
2.
In your resume, you may use a
highlighter to mark the keywords and industry language used to describe the
requirements and responsibilities.
3.
You must never submit a generic,
one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter. If you want the position, you'll
customize all documents for each job.
4.
If you have a ready-made
resume, you must compare those words and phrases to the language of your
current resume. If there is any change required, kindly do so and incorporate
the keywords in your resume.
5.
In case you have specific
knowledge, skills, and experience, you must mention them in your resume because
applicant tracking systems will search for keyword matches. If the matches are
more the chances of review of the resume go up.
6.
If the recruiter asks for a
cover letter, write a short cover letter briefing about the salient features of
your resume and the reason why you wish to join the organization.
7.
After you send your resume, you
should get an internal referral to make a personal introduction. Here's how:
- Make a list
of those people you know and ask each one if they know someone who works
(or has worked) with that employer.
- Attend job
fairs to meet face-to-face with employers and other professionals.
- Create a
free profile and become active on LinkedIn.com or Facebook.com, which
boasts a combined 60 million users. Surely you can find someone who knows
someone to make that connection with.
- Create a
free Twitter.com account and "follow" friends and post requests
for help.
- Join an
association in your field and network with like-minded peers.
- Connect with
your high school and college alumni groups. Old pals could be new
connectors.
- Talk to your
unlikely network. For example, look at the class list of the parents of
your kids' friends. Anytime my kids hear about a friend's mom or dad who's
lost a job, they tell them to call me. Even though we don't know each
other, we have a common connection that can sometimes lead to contact.
8.
Follow up with a call or email
to the recruiter responsible for filling the position. Never say, "Did you
get my resume?" Instead, be ready to reiterate your strong qualifications
and interest in the role. You'll have just a brief moment to sell yourself, so
rehearse before making the call or sending the email.
9.
If you don't know the name of
the right person, just call the company and ask an operator to put you through.
If that doesn't work, do a Web search on the term "recruiter" or
"HR director" along with the name of your employer of choice. The
results may reveal the name you're trying to find. LinkedIn is another resource
to find the correct name.
10.
Stay top of mind. Every
recruiter is different, which makes this a challenge. Some say you're welcome
to follow up weekly. Others say every other week is enough. And then some tell
you to never call. Find the right balance so you're politely persistent without
crossing over to a pest.
11.
Ask directly for advice on how
and when to follow up. A simple question, "What's the best way to keep in
touch?" will give you the details you need to stay ahead of the pack.
