Are you ready to make a job change, enter, or re-enter the job force? Whether this is your first job or relaunching your career, you are in stiff competition among the 9.7 million unemployed Americans today. It’s a staggering number, but the good news is that companies are hiring. The US Labor Department reports in March 2021 alone, one million positions were added. The right job is out there, but you need to know how to find it and how to market yourself for it. Here are a few things to help you stand out in a sea of applicants.
Make sure you have an outstanding resume.
In 2021 there is no reason you can’t tailor your resume by application. Identical resumes won’t sell your skills for a career in marketing and a job in training. Highlight the skills you have that pertain to that specific job.
Make it concise. Hiring managers are digging through a lot of resumes these days. While you could write a lot, you’ll grab their attention better with bullet points and short sentences. White space to rest the eye is surprisingly vital on a resume.
Use your cover letter to add information that introduces your essential qualifications. Be sure to mention the specific job you are applying for. Most importantly, check your spelling and grammar. Have someone look it over for you. You’d hate for a simple speeeeeellllling error to disqualify you from a job.
Be fully prepared for your interview
Ensure you’ve done extensive research on the company, the role and (if possible) the person or people interviewing you. This step will assure the interviewer that you are interested and make for a more engaging interview. You’ll be able to ask better questions and understand their strategy better. In the same way, be prepared to give thoughtful answers. Your interviewer has heard all of the cookie-cutter solutions. Elaborate! Give real-life examples. Show that you care and are engaging.
Be professional. Make sure you are well dressed and appropriately groomed, remove any excessive piercings, etc. Showing respect for your appearance also shows respect for the interviewer.
In the age of online interviews, you also need to consider the first impression that your space is making. Think about the background. Try to keep housemates and pets out of range and be sure that your technology is working well. Can your interviewer hear you clearly and see you well?
Cover your bases behind the scenes
If you haven’t looked at your Facebook page in a while, you should. Potential employers will! Ensure your social media accounts are professional and the content is something you’re ok with your potential employer seeing.
Determine your USP (unique selling point) and be ready to explain why YOU are the best candidate for the job. Think about what the special needs of the employer are and how you can fill those needs.
Use LinkedIn to – you know – link yourself in. Uncover any mutual friends, acquaintances with internal connections to the company, or interviewers to understand more about how they operate and what they value.
Need more help getting ready for the job market? We’re here to help. Getting to a place where you are prepared to seek a new career or pivoting into a new industry can be difficult. With DWI’s ‘Job Seeker Accelerator’ program, you can feel assured that you’re adequately prepared for the road ahead.
