Job seeking started in the early days of human civilization. And in every era, different means were used to find jobs. For example, in the 1970s, job seekers used to hand out their resumes in person to apply for and find a job.
Things have completely changed in the current era. With the latest technical advancements, now, you can apply directly to companies’ websites, ask for referrals, and use different online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to find a job.
However, before you start finding and applying for a job, you should keep in mind a few things to increase your chances of getting shortlisted. So, we have discussed a few tips and tricks in detail. Read on this helpful guide to learn!
1. Create a Well-Defined Resume.
The first impression is the last impression. If you believe in this line, you should focus on creating a well-defined resume. A resume is the first thing employers see to know about your skills, experiences, education, etc.
Here are the tips for writing a compelling resume:
Avoid using generic resume templates. Analyze each job and skills and experience the employer is looking for. Focus on their requirements and use the keywords they used in the job posting to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Make your resume skimmable and easily readable. It should be easy to read at first glance. To achieve this goal, use bullets, headings, and concise sentences.
Highlight your achievements. Listing just your responsibilities isn’t enough. You should mention your accomplishments via appropriate metrics. Plus, use action verbs to showcase how you contributed in the previous role.
In addition, include both technical and interpersonal skills relevant to the position you’re applying for. Your resume should be on one page or two pages max. Proofread it to remove any typos or grammar issues.
2. Use Cover Letter to Show Your Genuine Interest.
A cover letter is a one-page document that you should submit along with the job application. It personalizes your job application and tells the hiring person that you’re genuinely interested in the specific job.
Mention the hiring manager’s name on the cover letter. It will create a personal bond in advance. To find the name, check the company’s website or call the company. Use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” if the name is not found.
Here are the other tips:
- Show your genuine interest in the job and company through your words.
- Discuss relevant skills, knowledge, and interests from your previous work experiences.
- Mention what you can bring to the role and why you’re the best candidate for it.
- Mention your interest in the role again, thank the hiring manager, and hope for a future meeting.
NOTE: When writing a cover letter, you can use a cover letter generator to save time. All you need to do is paste your prompts along with all the relevant details, such as the job position, your experience, your name, the hiring manager’s name, etc.
Prompt: “I want to write a cover letter for the senior content writer position at Civix Marketing, whose hiring manager is Jerry Peterson. I have 5 years of experience in the field. Write an engaging cover letter.”
Here is the cover letter sample we got:
Once the tool generates the cover letter, proofread it to get rid of any spelling, punctuation, or grammar-related errors. Use an advanced check grammar tool for this purpose. Paste your content, click on the Check Grammar button, and that’s it.
The tool will highlight all the errors in the cover letter. All you need to do is click on each error, go through the suggestions, and choose the most relevant one.
Here is what the tool’s output looks like:
3. Refine Your Online Presence.
In the current era of information technology, seeking jobs has become very, very easy with the availability of so many job search sites.
Here is the list of top 10 international job search sites:
- Indeed Worldwide
- Go Abroad
- Go Overseas
- Idealist
- Career Jet
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- CEO Worldwide
- USA Jobs
Know what sites are best to use in the country and/or state where you’re applying for the job. Select the platform, create your account on it, and use these tactics to refine your online presence:
- Showcase your skills, experience, and professional network.
- Keep applying for the job regularly.
- Reply to all the companies and people who connect to you for the job.
Other than that, create your personal website to further showcase your work portfolio, skills, and accomplishments. You can link this website to your resume or to the other job-seeking platforms we mentioned above.
4. Develop Some Solid Interview Skills.
Securing an interview? You got your first achievement. Hold on! The real challenge is still on the way, and it is the interview. Do the following things to prepare for the interview and make a lasting impression:
Know about the company. Research the company’s background, what they are working for, and recent projects. In the interview, talk about their current projects and tell how you can fit in.
Practice common questions. Find out the most common questions interviewers ask for the job role you’re applying for. Practice those questions as you’re being asked in the interview. This will boost your confidence.
Dress as per the company’s values and culture. First impressions matter. Therefore, we suggest you put on neat and clean attire that reflects professionalism.
Ensure proper non-verbal communication. Maintain good eye contact, confident body language, and a positive attitude throughout the interview.
Conclusion
First of all, write a clear and concise resume that highlights your skills and previous experiences. Customize it for each job you apply for. Then, write a personalized cover letter that showcases your genuine interest in the position.
Utilize online job search platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed and regularly apply to relevant job openings. Research the company and practice the commonly asked questions for your job type to prepare for the interview.
