Are you frustrated with your job search? If so, you are not alone. There is nothing more disappointing than looking for opportunities when none seem to exist.
Stand Out
It is not an easy to stand out in the hiring environment most companies have adopted today. In today’s market, you are competing with many applicants for the same opportunities. You have to think about unique ways to use your résumé and cover letter so you can stand out and communicate your brand effectively.
Know When to Adapt
The biggest mistake job seekers make is not realizing when their résumé or cover letter is not working. If you are not getting results, you need to change it up. Do not be afraid to try different formats. Everyone has different opinions on résumé formatting and content, which means employers will, too.
Network
Looking for job opportunities? Dig and do not stop digging! You never know where one will show up. Remember your job search needs to go beyond the internet to be more productive. Network! Do not be afraid to tell everyone you know that you’re looking for job opportunities.
Send an email or text to anyone who might know someone who knows about a job opening. You will be surprised how many leads you can find by letting people know you are in the job market. You will find that people really do want to help you.
Network, network, and network some more. Did I say network? If you don’t ask, no one can help you. Search every day!
Job Search Every Day
Try to do something career related once a day, if not more. If you stop job searching, your results will be delayed. Apply for job opportunities for which you meet most of the requirements.
Employers always advertise a laundry list of qualifications and requirements. They would like to find the perfect person to match every qualification, but employers know this person does not exist. They are looking for someone who closely matches, and someone who will fit well into, their culture.
Get the Job Interview Basics
When you go in for a job interview, make sure you are on time, prepared, and have researched the company you are interviewing with. Do not rely on just the company’s website for information. Be savvy! Use LinkedIn, Google, Yahoo! Finance, and business journals. This will show the employer how serious you are.
Come prepared with extra résumés and have copies of your references ready to go. The goal is to demonstrate your professionalism to the employer.
And finally…are you helping or hurting yourself with the way you use social media?
The Thank You Letter
Nothing is more important than a thank you letter or email after a job interview. Not only does it give you a chance to answer any questions for which you feel you may not have provided enough information, but most importantly, it tells the employer that you want the job.
A thank you letter is a request to move forward in the process of the job interview. Make sure to write a thank you to everyone you met during the job interview process since most everyone will have some input into whether the employer hires you or not.
Career Services at Hunter Business School
Job placement assistance is available for Hunter Business School graduates for life. The Career Services department at Hunter Business School does more than prepare Long Island students for employment. Staff members help Long Island students jumpstart and then advance in stimulating and gratifying careers.
The Career Services department works with students to improve job interviewing skills, résumé preparation, cover and thank you letter writing, and career counseling.
Contact us today to find out more about job opportunities on Long Island.