Four Ways to Jump-Start Your Job Search Efforts
During this economic meltdown, when it seems like everyone is looking for work, landing an office job can seem like an impossible task. But don’t let the competition intimidate you. Instead, step up your game — and your chances of landing that job — with these four tips you can do from home.
1. Clean Up Your Resume
Start by putting yourself in the employer’s shoes. Would you hire yourself based on your resume? To stand out from the crowd, highlight your strengths and show employers how you helped the companies you have worked for. Use statistics and percentages such as, “Helped increase quarterly revenue by 35%.” This will show employers the value you can bring to their company.
Use your unemployment time to your benefit by highlighting specific accomplishments while unemployed. For example, if applying to a green organization, discuss your participation in green projects during your time of unemployment and how this has benefited the cause.
A good cover letter increases the odds the employer will take your application seriously. Customize your cover letter for every company, pointing out why you best suit the position and how your skills and experience will help the company prosper.
Follow up on every application with a phone call. When submitting your resume, calendar a follow-up call date to show the company your dedication and how much this job means to you.
2. Do Your Research
Before applying for any job, familiarize yourself with the company so there are no surprises. Find out who works in the department you are targeting and use a social network to befriend the individual. Recognize their work and express interest in what they do. Creating relationships will take you a long way.
If a company you are interested in is not hiring, learn more about their objectives and explain in your cover letter how you can help meet their goals. When an employer sees passion and drive, they may create a position for you if they feel you will benefit the company.
3. Social Networks Are Your New Best Friend
This is especially true in today’s fast-forward web 2.0 world. Utilize social networks tailored toward careers. Websites such as LinkedIn enable you to search for local jobs and get to know more about a company. You can also post your resume on your profile and get introduced to potential employers through friends. Getting to know your competitors can be helpful as well.
Sites like Flexjobs enable you to receive alerts when specific jobs are posted. Getting updated on a daily basis provides access to the latest opportunities, increasing your chances of securing a position. Create an account on Facebook and inform your friends that you are looking for a new job. This will help get the word out that you are available, and word of mouth is key.
4. Get and Stay Organized
To get on top of your game, get organized! Whenever you send out an email or any message regarding your employment on a social network, write it down. If you make a phone call or meet someone in person (even if you accidentally bump into them), keep track of it. Use an excel spreadsheet to remember the date, person, and detailed reason for your inquiry. Store their information in your contact book so you can follow up with them in the future.
Combining these tips will streamline your job search and increase your chances of catching an employer’s attention. Remember, this is your chance to shine. So get organized, get out there, and show them why they should hire you!
