The job market is competitive. I believe that we can all agree on that. Therefore, it’s important to take the necessary time and resources available to you to stand out from the crowd. As a professional Career Counselor, I work with people on a day-to-day basis to do just this – stand out from the crowd to help make sure that the job search is more efficient and that the candidate stands out from other candidates. With this in mind, keep reading for tips that I share every day to assist in the job search process.
How to Make Your Job Search More Efficient, Let the Tools Work for You
Some years ago, we could simply feel out a paper application and walk it into the employer and in many instances start work that same day – if not that same week. In today’s job market, things have changed. No longer do the old rules work and apply. Now, the job search is a job in itself and can be time-consuming. To combat this and job search burnout, it’s important to be efficient.
One way to be efficient during the job search is to let the tools work for you.
An example of this is using LinkedIn. Did you know that LinkedIn has several features that will work in your favor to assist you in the job search.
For example, there are two features such as the “More” button found under “Edit Profile” and the “Resume Builder” that will actually create an entire resume for you in a matter of seconds based on your LinkedIn profile. That’s right! This is a great example of allowing the tools to work for you to be efficient in your job search.
In fact, using the “More” button to print your resume from your profile will result in a nicely formatted resume as seen below.
Another way to be efficient using LinkedIn is to craft your LinkedIn profile summaries to fit the job that you are applying for. Each time that you do this you can simply print your resume and it is tailored to the job that you are applying for. Feel free to check out these LinkedIn summary examples for some inspiration.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Write the Cover Letter!
Write the cover letter. I can’t make this any more clear. Taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter is a major way to stand out from the competition. The reason being is that most people want to skip this part because they dread writing.
But, the advantage is that a well-written cover letter is actually an additional opportunity to stand out from other candidates and shine. Imagine how great you look to a future employer if you were the only one in a candidate pool who actually took the time to create a cover letter.
When creating the cover letter, keep in mind that it should be concise, well-written, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. A good cover letter will give the employer a snapshot of your skills and experience and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Read other career-related posts on the blog!
What to Include on Your Resume
Your resume is your opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers. It should be clear, concise, and free of any grammar or punctuation errors. At the bare minimum, you should include relevant work experience, skills, and education, and be sure to tailor each resume to the specific job you’re applying for.
As for the exact format, there is not one format that fits all. Use a format that fits your skills, education, and industry. Using sites like Resumes.com and ResumeGig.com is also a big help.
Just be mindful to keep your format clean and readable so that it filters appropriately through any applicant tracking system (ATS) that is being used by the recruiter or employer.
How to Ace the Interview, Preparation
The interview is your chance to make a great impression and convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job. And, the only way that you are going to be able to pull this off is by being well-prepared for the interview.
Be prepared to answer common interview questions, dress professionally, and arrive early. During the interview, be sure to listen carefully, speak confidently, and ask thoughtful questions about the position.
In fact, you can prepare your questions to ask on a notepad and bring them with you. That way when it’s your turn to ask questions (usually at the end) – you will be well-prepared.
Final Thoughts
In today’s job market, it’s more important than ever to make sure your job search is efficient and your application stands out. Utilize your resources, including friends, family, and online tools, to help you find the right job for you.
When applying for jobs, be sure to take the time to write a well-crafted cover letter and format your resume in an easily readable way for the ATS. Finally, practice and prepare for your interviews so that you can put your best foot forward and land the job you want.
