5 Job Search Tips to Help You Get That Interview

Some say finding a job is easy. It’s just a simple case of writing an application letter and sending it off, rinse and repeat. Ah, if only life was that simple. The reality paints a much murkier picture of overly long and complex application forms, badly-formatted cover letters and many, many emails sent to potential employers with no hint of a reply.

So here at Resume Companion, we’ve compiled 5 helpful job search tips that will provide you the step up in finding a job.

#1 Approach Your Job Search with a Career in Mind

I know it sounds like an easy thing to think about, but so many people really don’t define their career goals. Move out of the moment and into the future before you start applying to any job. Most employers really do want to know where you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, or even 20 years' time.

If you are not sure what career path you want to take, consider doing this:

Take a piece of paper and a pen and write 3 industries you would like to work in. For example, you may write Customer Service, IT and Human Resources.

Second, write down 7 key skills that you have that stand out as your strongest skills. For example, this may include: Dealing with people, managing money, designing, organization of documents, communicating over the phone, writing content and the ability to solve problems.

Third, use our free Jobs search tool at Resume Companion to assist you in searching for a job, and take a read of the various job descriptions of the 3 industries you wrote down. Pinpoint any descriptions that match your main skills and consider applying.

#2 Question Your Qualifications

Of course, not all positions are created equally and it may well be the case that you would like to work in a position that requires qualifications that you have yet to obtain. Although you may not have the time or money to gain a new qualification right now, you should at the very least begin to plan a way to achieve these qualifications in order to advance in your newly decided career.

There are many forms of social, educational and governmental grants on offer that can provide a stepping stone back into work or to build a new skill through educational courses. I also recommend taking a look at this first nonprofit tuition-free online university, University Of The People. They are currently enrolling in two main areas, Business Administration and Computer Science.

#3 Use Social Media Channels

The best way you can use social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, and especially LinkedIn) is to listen in on the conversations provided by potential employers. They may be individuals providing advice in LinkedIn forums or they may be a company promoting new opening positions over Facebook. If you would like to learn more about social media and your job search click here.

LinkedIn

You may consider engaging with employers on LinkedIn. Make sure you have a smart and professional looking photo and a well formatted profile before you begin your conversations. Also consider gaining some recommendations to add extra credibility to your profile. 

Twitter

Search for companies and keywords related to the industry or career you are interested in. Follow them and again ask questions while noting any job openings they may promote. Make yourself known by using the @tag to include important industry contacts in your messages or questions. 

Facebook

Become of a fan of companies you may want to work for to keep updated on any news they may be promoting. Also, consider posting a Facebook status mentioning you are interested in a line of work and ask if any of your friends can help you.

#4 Follow Up With Employers

The job application doesn’t end once you’ve sent the letter or email. If you don’t hear a response back within 2 weeks, or after the time frame the potential employer stated in the job description, consider giving them a phone call or sending an email asking for an update on your application. If they say you were not accepted, make sure to ask them why so you can find out what you have to do to actually get the job in future.

#5 Take Time Off

Applying to jobs over a long period of time can feel like a full time job, so always remember there is more to life than writing cover letter after cover letter. Maintain a balance by setting out a timetable of at least 4 to 5 hours per day but no more than 7 hours per day for your job search strategy including job searching in the holidays. For the remainder of the time, make sure to appreciate with your loved ones and your own interests and activities. Freedom is a beautiful thing so enjoy it while it lasts.

By Joe Flanagan

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