Ensure Your Resume Is Up-To-Date and Appealing
Keeping your resume up-to-date is very important. Since you never know when you will need to use it, set a calendar reminder to review it once a month. If anything new comes up, add it. Additionally, with creative resumes on the rise, find ways to stay competitive by utilizing unconventional methods. If that won’t work for you or the type of job you’re looking for, use templates and Microsoft Word to make an attractive resume that shows your personality to hiring managers.
Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
The first thing hiring managers will read is your cover letter. Make sure yours is attention-grabbing, genuine, insightful and, most importantly, conveys why you’re the right person for the job.
Keep Track Of Your Jobs Using A Spreadsheet
Ever wonder if you’ve applied to the same job multiple times? A simple and effective way to keep track of everything is to organize the info in an excel spreadsheet. From there you can track where or how you applied, what details you sent, any important names you have (like the hiring manager’s), the date you applied, and the date you made a follow-up call. It’ll also be a major benefit if you receive an unexpected phone call from a hiring manager and need to quickly trigger your memory regarding their available position.
Be Prompt In Sending Thank You Notes To Employers
In today’s competitive landscape for job seekers, sending a thank you note is a must. The sooner you get a note in the mailbox, the better. If you know they’re making a decision by the end of that day, there’s nothing wrong with a thank you email; however, the warmth and personalization of a handwritten note always stands out more. Make the effort. Take the time. Write a note.
Wear Appropriate Attire To The Interview
Make sure you’re dressed to impress. A good pair of slacks or a pencil skirt, button up shirt and blazer are essential items to have in your closet for an interview. In a more casual atmosphere, there are two ways of thinking: Either dress to fit in with their team with a nice pair of khakis and dress shirt or dress above the climate they’re used to in order to show that you mean business and want the job. Ultimately, do what works for you and shows you’re the qualified candidate they should hire. For outfit ideas, check out our Pinterest page.
Do Research On The Company and Position Before The Interview
Just like buying a car or a house, you have to do your research. It’ll help you understand what the company does, you’ll inevitably find feedback about working for the company from employees, and — most importantly — you’ll sound knowledgeable during your interview. As you’re researching, write down interesting facts, questions you have and names of important people within the company who you should know about.
Make Sure Your Social Media Presence Is Professional
Are you on social media? Employers are using sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Google+ to understand applicants better. If you have pictures of you drinking, partying or doing anything inappropriate, either delete the images or change your settings to render everything private.
Network. Network. Network.
Regardless of whether or not you have a job or are looking for a job, it’s always a great idea to network. Join and be active within local and online groups that are tailored to your work and career goals. Learn from others’ experience and wisdom, and pass along some of your own. Show people within your group that, not only are you teachable, but you’re also becoming (or already are) an expert in your field. Get your name and skills out there so that, should an opportunity arise, you’ll be at the forefront of someone’s mind for the position.
Losing your job can be a stressful time. If you were one of the 1.3 million Americans whose unemployment benefits expired at the 26-week mark, things just got a whole lot trickier. With the Senate not expected to pass legislation to reinstate extended benefits until late January or early February of 2014, there are a few things you can do to ease the stress.