18 Actionable Tips on How to Get Hired Fast in 2021

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.

1. Learn how to write a strong cover letter

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.

2. Quantify your experience on your resume

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. 

3. Create a remarkable “tell me about yourself” pitch

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.

4. Properly prepare for every interview

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.

5. Network, network, network

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.

6. Pay attention to social media

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. 

7. Follow up!

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.

8. Write an impressive cover letter

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.

9. Compile references

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. 

10. Apply a lot and often

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.

11. Practice interview questions

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. 

12. Work with a career coach

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.

13. Be proactive!

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.

14. Focus on your strengths

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.

15. Use your free time to learn a skill

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. 

16. Start immediately

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.

17. Dress the part

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.

18. Adjust for Coronavirus

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. 

You might be hearing the words “first generation college student” get thrown around a lot as you  apply for colleges. According to Brown University, a first generation college student is a student whose parent(s) haven’t earned a college degree. This includes those whose parents attended college outside of the United States. Being one of the first in your family to attend college is a huge accomplishment. Attending college as a first generation student means progress for the family and a future full of opportunities. According to Northeastern University, 57% of college graduates have more job opportunities. 

Being the first in your family to attend college, while exciting, can also be challenging. You are about to embark on a journey that no one in your family has been on and navigating it can be tricky.

Here are a few tips to help you adjust to your new and exciting life as a first generation college student!

01

Surround yourself with a support system

It can be isolating for a first generation college student to attend college. There are feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy. For this reason, it’s important for first generation college students to be aware of the support avenues that exist on their college campus.

Nearly every school has a campus organization designed specifically for first generation college students. These clubs typically put on events like potlucks, slam poetry nights, and more! It’s a great way for students with similar backgrounds to connect with each other. The University of Texas at Austin puts on events such as College Celebration Day for their first generation students to celebrate their successes.

Most first generation college students also come from international backgrounds. There are a plethora of clubs and organizations on campus for students of all backgrounds. Some examples are the Black Student Union and the Asian American Society. Wherever you are from there is likely a club for you. 

First generation college students can often feel lonely or unsure of their path. They sometimes might feel “imposter syndrome” and like they don’t belong. On-campus counseling is a great resource for someone who needs someone to talk to.

tips for first-generation parents
02

Take advantage of financial aid

Oftentimes first generation college students (and college students in general) are intimidated by the sticker price* of attending college. Getting a degree can be expensive but there are many financial opportunities available.

03

Ask for help when you need it

College classes can be difficult. Between homework, essays, a job,  and trying to maintain a social life, college can be overwhelming. College campuses are overflowing with help centers for first generation college students. Asking for help is the first step.

The biggest piece of advice that can be given to first generation college students is kind of cliche but important. Do your best. This is new territory for you and giving yourself room to grow and make mistakes is the best way to learn. There is no secret formula to success for college students. But if you use the resources available to you, prepare ahead for your classes, and have a strong support system around you, success is in your future. 

Be proud of yourself. You’re the first in your family to go to college. This comes with inevitable uncertainties but, should also be a time for self-exploration, fun, and excitement. 

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