4 Steps to a Smarter Job Search
Stepping into the job search zone can in some ways find unwanted similarity to walking around blindfolded. They both evoke similar feelings of uncertainty, instability, and…you really just want it to be over with!
There are proactive steps you can take to remove yourself from this grind. You can take that blindfold off and unveil a clearer view of the job search process.
1) Adapt to Change
If you’ve served your time and energy—applied to many jobs, sent out your resume and cover letter—but you still aren’t getting any responses to your application, take these as signs that you need to change what you’ve been doing.
2) Find job openings before they’re posted
Though we don’t have the ability to be psychic, you can get a few steps ahead by utilizing resources that will alert you to who’s hiring.
Create Google News alerts for companies you are interested in working for.
- Scan the local news regularly for employers you may not have considered. Positive announcements (like moving to a bigger space) generally mean companies are hiring. When you see the signs, be ready to apply!
- LinkedIn allows you to follow employers you’re interested in. Get information on events they’ll host or even a name to contact. Remember: Unlike those automated email responses, if you reach out to an employer through social media, there’s actually a person maintaining and responding from their social media channels. Take advantage of this.
Note: 75% of new hires applied to a job within the first 2 weeks of it being posted. If you apply later, you’ll have decreased your chances significantly.
3) Learn about the company from the INSIDE
- With Glassdoor.com, people are posting about a company they’ve worked for or are working for, and what this means is, you’ll get real, honest, and insightful comments from ACTUAL employees. You’ll show that you understand what the company is really about—the good and the bad. What better way to give yourself a hook that will grab the hiring manager’s attention when they skim cover letters and resumes!
- Glassdoor.com even gives you an idea of salary expectations, company culture, and interview questions, among other details. It’s an efficient way to learn quick facts about a company before you think about how to customize your cover letter for that company.
4) Read the hiring manager’s mind.
Utilize the resources you have. Find your connection to the hiring manager’s mind through the resource he’s freely given you: the job posting! Use the job posting to glean important insights. Use the employer’s own words from the job postings to describe your skills (as long as you really have those skills!). This will increase your chances of being picked out by a computer as a potential candidate, and move you on to the oh-so-important interview stage.
So there you have it—nifty little tips you can utilize to get a few steps ahead—and as always, if you have any specific comments or thoughts, feel free to send them along!
About StartWire™
StartWire™, a game-changing Internet job search organizer that launched in early 2011. StartWire closes the “résumé black hole” by providing job seekers with automatic application status updates from thousands of employers. Over the past 12 months, StartWire has received rave reviews and write-ups in US News & World Report, About.com, AOL Jobs, CNN, ERE, and HR Executive Magazine. Glassdoor.com, is a StartWire Advertising partner.
