Wednesday Wisdom: Tackling The Job Search
1:15:00 PMI'm in the industry of staffing - thus, I know all there is to know about searching for jobs, writing your resume, and interviewing. Finding a job is definitely no easy feat. The process can take months, with first finding jobs to apply for to multiple rounds of interviews to finding out they offered it to someone else. I wanted to share some helpful tips and tricks that are useful through the process and hopefully help you find your next career!
1. The first tip is to have the best resume. I'm thinking about doing a whole post on this but for now I will cover a few must-haves.
- Must have relevant skills listed and list everything that is applicable! Most people do not have this on their resume and I cringe every time. Why? 9 times out of 10 when you upload a resume and apply for a job, it goes into their Applicant Tracking System and will score you based on keywords in your resume! Not only that - this is hands down the easiest place for a hiring manager to scan and see if you have the skills they are looking for.
- Be detailed with job descriptions. It's not okay to have a job listed on your resume then give no details. If you are at a loss on what to put - go find that job online that you applied for and take bullet points from the job description (if you performed these tasks of course).
- Include volunteer work and organizations. These days, companies love candidates that will add value and something extra to their workforce - it makes them look good. Add all your volunteer experience and organizations you're apart of (such as Women's Leadership Group).
- Choose a resume style that is applicable to the job you are applying for. If you're a graphic designer, you better not have a boring white resume with black Times New Roman font. That doesn't speak to your creativity. If you're a scientist - you should have a boring white resume with black Times New Roman font - they look for skills and techniques of candidates, not who has the most creative resume. One of my favorite places to get resume templates is Creative Market, they have a wide selection and most will open up right in a Word document.
2. Use multiple job boards to search for careers. Indeed, LinkedIn, VelvetJobs, and Ladders are all great places to look for jobs - utilize them all! Also, it's better to apply directly on the company website so make sure to do that as well.
3. Prepare for interviews! The first round of interviewing will generally be a phone screen, this is just to determine if you have the skills that match what they are looking for (you most likely do since they called) and to make sure what you're looking for aligns with the role. I cannot stress the importance of preparing. Know your resume and be able to speak to it, but also know what the job is, what the company does, and why you would make the best fit. Once you get that in-person interview, that is your time to shine. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you will. Trust me when I say managers will not hire you if you are incredibly nervous - it's an interview turn off.
5. Wear a suit. Unless someone specifically tells you its business casual or to wear jeans - always wear a suit. If you show up wearing a suit, you're clean, and put together, that speaks volumes to an interviewer - it means you care. Even if you hate suits, you can still have fun with it. I would wear a suit, printed button down and statement necklace - but that's just my personality.
Note for women: If you think you will be interviewed by other women, I always recommend wearing a pantsuit, not a skirt, especially if it's for a higher level role. We'd like to think that women aren't intimidated by other women but they are. Wear pants!
4. Always write a written thank-you card and quick follow up email. It is so important to get the interviewers contact information. Ask for the card or make sure to get it from the front desk on your way out. It's proper to send a quick follow-up thank you email that same day. Make it short and sweet. Also, write a hand written thank you and include tidbits from your conversation why you would love this role and why you're the best fit. Mail it out the same day!
5. Follow up after one week. As I mentioned before, these processes take a long time. If you applied or interviewed and haven't heard after one week, follow up. I would first try a phone call, then email, then LinkedIn message. It's not fair for companies to string you along so they do need to be diligent. Also be truthful and let them know if you have other opportunities, this can sometimes speed things up!
If you have any more tips or tricks to add - share below!
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