Published on 2022-11-23 22:35:44
Looking for a new job can be an arduous process. However, strategizing patiently to end up with a role you truly want can be worth the extra effort. Regardless of where you're applying, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired.
In this article, we discuss how you can land a new job and offer 16 tips for your consideration.
Tips to land a good job
The process of searching for a new job can be lengthy and complicated. However, instead of settling for a job you aren't too sure about, follow these tips so you have a greater chance of getting the job you want:
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1. Work with different recruiters
Recruiters can be instrumental in helping you find your next job, but they are ultimately employed by the hiring company to find the right fit for their open position. If you only work with one recruiter, you'll limit yourself to only seeing the positions from that source. Most recruiters are accustomed to people using multiple sources to help them secure employment. Signing up with multiple recruiters will increase your chances of finding more roles that could be a good match.
2. Submit your resume to online job boards
Another way to get the job you want is to upload your resume to online job boards. Instead of only applying to individual positions, posting your resume on a board will make you visible to recruiters and hiring managers.
3. Join industry groups
Consider looking for groups specific to your desired industry where you'll come upon people who have the same interests, background and skills as you do. You can find these groups through websites, social media networks and even in person. Be active within the groups, which can consist of engaging with members' posts or attending networking events.
Once you've spent some time in the group, post your resume or share your intent to find a new job to see if your fellow group members can help you. Those in your industry group may have inside knowledge of a company in your field, be able to mentor you or be open to providing a reference for a job of interest.
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4. Follow up with your contacts
If you're in the hiring process but haven't heard back from the employer about the status of your application in a week or so, feel free to follow up. Managers and HR professionals get busy and possibly have a lot of applications to go through, but if you feel you've made an impression on them, it may benefit you to check in and see if they have any updates on the hiring decision or next steps. This will show your contact that you're still interested in the opportunity and looking forward to getting started.
5. Ask friends and past co-workers to refer you
When someone refers you for a job, it can mean a lot to the hiring manager or recruiter. A friend or previous co-workers can refer you for a role if they are employed at the company you want to work for or are close to someone in a managerial position who has access to your application.
If you've identified someone who can help, then ask if they can share with the hiring manager more about your strengths, how they know you and why they would recommend you for the position. Depending on the circumstances, you can ask for your contact to connect you directly to the person they know.
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6. Use advanced search options
Rather than spending time searching through countless jobs that come up using a basic search, perform an advanced search query and use filters on job boards. With this option, you can filter by location, type of job, the date the job was posted, certain keywords and more. This will help you narrow down your job results so you are more intentional with your time and can focus on the positions you want most.
7. Be selective with the jobs you apply for
Try to remain selective in your job hunt. Although you may be anxious to find a job, it's a better use of your time to only apply for jobs you qualify for and are interested in. With this strategy, you have a greater chance of having an employer contact you for an interview. Plus, you'll probably feel more comfortable in your interview if you can speak about the specific skills you have that relate to the position.
A part of being selective also means researching the employer before you apply to make sure that the company is a good fit for you. If you've been in your industry for a while, you may be familiar with the organizations that fit your interests. Make a list and actively seek employment opportunities there.
8. Don't stop applying for jobs once you find a good one
It may be tempting to stop your job search once you've found somewhere to apply where you think you have a good shot. But you can never be sure how the hiring process will go with any single employer at any stage. If you are looking to make sure that you end your search successfully, do not take a job offer for granted when you haven't received one. Plus, you never know what other opportunities are out there. Why close off your chances at something before you even land the job?
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9. Use words in your resume similar to the job description
When reviewing a job description to see if you might be a good fit, you should also be reviewing the language for tone and word choice. Emulating their verbiage will not only make you read as a close fit, but more importantly, you will do a better job of making it through automated selection systems that sort resumes by keywords.
10. Tailor your cover letter to the position
Because the hiring manager will likely only scan through the resumes they receive, it's important to express yourself more in your cover letter. If possible, create a new cover letter for each employer and position you apply for. Your cover letter should showcase what you can bring to the company that makes you unique from your competition and even tell a story of specific instances from your work history that tells why you're a great fit.
11. Dress appropriately
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It's important that no matter which position you're applying for, you dress the part during your interview. Unless a hiring manager says otherwise, always consider dressing in business attire when going in for your interview, and do the same if you are completing a video interview over the computer. The first impression you give to a hiring manager will be one of the many factors they consider when deciding if you're right for the role.
12. Include other accomplishments on your resume
Think about including other accomplishments and experiences on your resume other than standard, and perhaps more traditional, work experience. Consider if you've volunteered, had freelance clients, worked relevant contract positions or learned a new skill outside of the workplace. If there are employment gaps on your resume, you can explain them if it will help your chances of getting a call, like if you took on freelance work during that time.
13. Show your personality during the interview
It's a good idea to practice for your interview, but be cautious that your answers don't seem rehearsed when you're speaking with the hiring manager. Although you may feel nervous during an interview, try to showcase your personality so the employer can learn more about you and can visualize you in the role alongside the current employees. Make sure to smile, engage with the interviewer and, if you feel it's appropriate, share personal information like about your family or hobbies.
14. Give examples
When you're interviewing, try to answer the questions you're given with examples. Even with yes or no questions, you can still provide an employer with specific situations you were in before that showcase your skills and experience. Let the hiring manager know how your skills or decisions in that situation helped your previous employer.
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15. Never talk negatively about prior employers
No matter the reasoning behind your departure from a prior employer, it's never a good idea to speak negatively about your previous place of work or the people you worked with, including your managers. Doing so can give the hiring manager you're in an interview with a bad impression, which can impact how they view you for the role.
16. Apply a second time
It's possible to apply for a position and not get it, but if a similar opportunity arises at the same company at some other point in time, apply again. Make sure that if significant time has passed that you apply with an updated resume and have new things to say about your background should you be granted another interview.