Whether you’re searching for a new job because you’re out of work, or you’re looking for a better job that fits your career goals, your search deserves your best effort. With so much job-searching advice out there, it can be hard to stay focused. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make sure that you stay on top of all areas of your job search.
What Should You Do and Don’t Do When Job Searching?
Before You Begin Your Search
DO: Build Your Personal Brand
Before you even begin your job search, you need to spend some time to hone in and develop your personal brand. What do you want employers to see about you? This matters as you send your resume out to job openings. Take time on your social media profiles to clean them up of things you don’t want to be a part of your personal brand. Then, begin posting content that speaks to your personal brand. This is an effective way to stand out to employers once you begin to send out applications.
DON’T: Overdo It
Remember that while you’re building your personal brand, you should still be genuine. You’ll have to strike the balance of being yourself but letting that personal brand – your best self, probably – shine. If employers sense that you’re putting on a front, they might even move on to a different applicant.
DO: Rally Your Support Team
Your network can be quite a force during your job search. Letting your trusted connections know that you’re looking for a job can pay off in a big way during your job search.
DON’T: Be Selfish
If you decide to reach out to some older connections in your network who you haven’t talked to recently, just keep things casual and conversational before diving into asking for any favors in your job search. You may find that you can help someone else as well and that’s always a nice way to reciprocate a favor.
During Your Search
DO: Update Your Resume Content
Of course, you need to keep your resume up-to-date when it comes to your skills, work experience, and accomplishments. But remember, that it’s perfectly acceptable – even encouraged – to include links to a professional blog, portfolio or social media account. This gives a company a more personalized look into your potential fit as an employee.
DON’T: Forget the Cover Letter
Most people keep hoping that the cover letter would just go away, but it’s a very crucial component of a solid application. Even though not every job will require a cover letter, it can go a long way in the application process and can go a long way in standing out from other applicants.
DO: Customize Your Resume
After you’ve updated your resume, you will have to customize it for every application you want to submit. Keep a master resume, then when it’s time to apply, consider the keywords and phrases that will make your resume more customized for the job position. Recruiters and software systems will look for keywords as part of their first level of screening so it’s paramount for you to customize your resume and cover letter accordingly.
DON’T: Create a Flashy Resume
Sure, you’ve probably seen some creative resumes that gain attention on social media for their colorful designs and flashy details. However, these aren’t necessarily more effective. You may end up wasting time creating a unique design that is incompatible with the application process and software system.
Preparing for the Interview
DO: Prepare for Your Interview
Preparing for an interview is one of the most important steps you can take during your job search. Make sure you carve out time in your busy schedule to prepare. Here are a few ways to prepare for a great interview:
- Research the company
- Consider common questions
- Prepare your own questions for the employer
- Get organized for the day of the interview with directions, materials, and attire
DON’T: Treat a Virtual Interview Differently
If you think an interview on Zoom is an easier experience, think again. Yes, they can save time and money and are maybe more convenient, but you need to be sure that the interviewer can connect with you. Be sure to take the same preparations as above, and also eliminate any distractions in your setting to ensure a professional interview.
Let Professionals Help You
If you’re looking to find the right job to take your career to the next level, let the experts at Axiom Staffing Group help you.
