The job search process can be long and difficult, especially without any guidance. Our brand new guide breaks down the most important pieces of the job search process and helps you get hired now. We cover how to use different types of resumes, how to ace an interview, how to curate your social media accounts, and how to follow up after a job interview.
Your cover letter should encompass who you are and your accomplishments while targeting the skills necessary for the desired position. You should highlight both hard and soft skills needed to excel in the position. Our guide walk you though the steps necessary to write an effective cover letter. We’ve even included various cover letter templates that help get you hired fast.
Your resume is your first impression. The guide provides some of the most common mistake job seekers make when writing a resume. It also explicates how to write a succinct yet informative resume. Focus on showcasing your most impressive accomplishments reinforced by numbers that appeal to the job description.
This pitch is likely one of the first questions you will receive in an interview. Many of our clients struggle with this question. However, it is very important that you have a prepared answer to this directive. The best way to answer this is to walkthrough your resume when you introduce yourself. Saying the right things during the first moments of the interview can be the key to leaving a positive impression. The Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired provides the best tools to construct the most impressive answer.
Clients often admit that interviews are the hardest part of job searching. Meeting with a human resources administrator or potential employers can be nerve racking. However, there are a few tips we always recommend: research the company you are interviewing with, be aware of your body language, maintain eye contact, and remember you are interviewing them too! There are few things nothing more important than culture fit. If you don’t like your co-workers or the work environment, you will not be happy. Go in prepared and take time getting to know your potential coworkers.
Many people get a job as a result of their network. Reach out to family members, friends, and coworkers and notify them you are looking to get hired fast. Let everyone know you are searching within a specific job market. You never know who may be able to help. You should also venture to reach out to people you don’t know! Our guide reviews the best ways to network while job hunting without putting you too far out of your comfort zone. Networking can help you learn more about the job market or even direct you to job postings you didn’t know about before. Networking can be a vital tool to finding your dream job.
You may want to revamp your LinkedIn profile to reflect your professional goals and achievements. Include links to the organizations you worked for, any research or publications you have, and a brief description of the companies you’ve worked for. However, you should also pay attention to other social media accounts including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Ensure your profiles on these platforms are private. However, certain things such as your profile picture, profile bio, or tagged posts may remain public. Keep all public-facing content professional and clean.
There are tons of people job seekers applying for the same position as you. Following up is the best way to stand out from the crowd. However, make sure in the job description that they accept follow ups; some companies may explicitly state that they do not want job seekers to follow up on the application. Our guide provides templates to help you write a short yet effective follow up email to the hiring manager or recruiter.
Cover letters are both a writing sample and a way to express interest in the organization. It is important to write a letter that is succinct and effective. Mention why you are applying for the job, what your qualifications are, and why you are a competitive applicant. Lucky for you, our Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired has a cover letter template to help you write an effective cover letter.
In the final stages of the job application process, many potential employers will ask for a references. To expedite this process, consider compiling a list of individuals (coworkers, managers, bosses, professors, mentors) who can vouch for you. Having a list of individuals on hand will make this process easier for both you and your potential employers.
Although this part of the application process is far less glamorous, it is very important. Job postings open and close very quickly. It is important to check job boards as often as you can. You never want to the right job to pass you by.
Before you even have an interview on your calendar, you should be practicing common interview questions. A well-prepared interviewee impresses hiring managers and CEOs alike. They also are more comfortable and confident during the interview, leading to a more successful interview.
Career coaches are hired to help you navigate the job search process. Great career coaches will source jobs for you, help you apply strategically, and coach you through every phone screen and interview. Career coaches can help you identify weaknesses in your career search and provide insider information to help you find your dream job quickly. Our career coaches will offer tons of guidance on how to bolster your opportunities and communicate your qualifications even before your interview with a hiring manager.
If you’re tired of the job search process and looking to get hired now, schedule a consultation with the Prepory career team and land your dream job.
You don’t want to play hard to get. Employers are looking to fill positions as quickly as they can. As such, you should check your email often and answer phone calls as much as you can. Route your emails to your phone or download your email’s app to ensure you never miss an important opportunity. Promptness proves that you want the job and moves the often long process along.
Think about what experiences, opportunities, research you have that makes you unique. Craft a message that properly communicates that specific strength. Use your resume, cover letter, and interview to highlight your unique strength.
For example, “My experience working in Business to Business PR informs many of my sales tactics. As a PR professional, I relied on market research and data to find out what airlines needed and wanted to improve their fleet. I know I can utilize my knowledge of the market to inform prices and manage regional relationships.”
In this example, the applicant leverages her knowledge of the market to distinguish her application. She highlights a skill the business can use.
In a competitive job market, the more you can offer the better. Focus on acquiring skills that may be help you in your preferred industry. Learning a language or a software may help you stand out in the hiring process.
Telling potential employers that you can start immediately not only paints you in a favorable light, it also speeds up your hiring process timeline. The earlier you admit to being able to start, the earlier you are hired.
Whether your interview is in person or online, it important to dress professionally. Your appearance is the first thing interviewers see. If you are dressed sloppily or too casually, it will be hard them to focus on anything else. Make sure your hair is styled, your facial hair is well-maintained or shaved, and invest in a good business suit. Even if the interview is online, make sure you are dressed professionally from head to toe. You never know when you may need to stand up—the employer may even ask you to do so. If you are unsure if you should be business casual or business professional, err on the side of caution and dress business professional.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique set of challenges within the job search process. Job interviews have moved online and industries are changing overnight. Be sure to remain up to date on the latest information regarding the industry and how they are responding to challenges with regard to coronavirus. Additionally, prepare yourself for many Zoom interviews. Make sure you are taking interviews in a well-lit, quiet place with strong wifi.
Need help adjusting? Our career coaches help job seekers through these uncharted waters with sound support and a host of resources to help them adapt.