Searching for a job is a grueling task. Studies show that an applicant submits up to 200 applications before they get just one job offer.
You will likely spend hours working on and submitting applications. Sadly, you only receive emails of regret or you get ghosted by HR specialists.
To improve your odds in the highstakes work of job applications you need to improve your tactics. In the following article, we’ll explain why you’re failing to book an interview and what to do to start getting results.
Start Submitting Winning Resumes
For every job opening, HR personnel receive between 75 and 250 online applications.
To deal with these high numbers, HR personnel rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to narrow down the best candidates. 95% of large companies and 50% of mid-size companies use ATS in their recruitment process.
An ATS will process your resume before the recruiter or hiring manager takes a look at it. Thus, you need to make sure your resume stands out and gets past the ATS.
To ensure your resume gets past the ATS, use keywords that resemble those used by the employer.
The ATS filter the resumes based on specific keywords. You’ll need to tailor your resume for each application.
For example, if the company is looking for a Facebook Ad Creator and Manager, all resumes that don’t have that title are disqualified.
Also, search for the most relevant keywords in your industry. Include words used to describe relevant skills, experience, educational background and certifications in your resume.
Rather than pay someone to create your resume for you, learn how to write a winning resume with tips, tricks and hacks from the pros. Learn how to write resumes and cover letters that get noticed and help you land your dream job.
The internet offers numerous software and apps you can use to design and create winning resumes. These software and apps are easy to use. They have numerous examples that you can refer to as you create your resume.
Stop Selling Yourself Short
Think of yourself as a brand. In your personal life, when making purchases, you spend money on the best brand. In the same way, companies will hire the best candidate.
You have to present yourself as the best candidate for the position.
Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability. – Jason Hartman
What is your elevator pitch? How are you presenting yourself at the interview? How are you answering the interview questions? Are you asking relevant interview questions? Have you highlighted your soft skills and experience?
The first impression matters. Whether it is a phone interview or video interview, how you present yourself affects your chances of getting hired. Conduct yourself the same way you would in an in-person interview.
When answering the call, receive it professionally. The standard way to receive a call, is “Hello, this is Daisy, who am I speaking to?” Remember to take the call at a private venue away from noise and distractions.
For a video call, dress up. Don’t look like you woke up and are yet to have breakfast. Put on a professional outfit and comb your hair.
When asked to answer the question, tell the panel more about yourself, show off your skills.
According to LinkedIn Learning, 80% of HR specialists list creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability and time-management skills as the skills with the highest demand and lowest supply. Be prepared to share stories and to elaborate on these in-demand skills.
Peruse the job description to find out what the employer is looking for and look for examples from your background and experience to showcase you’re the best fit.
Even if you aren’t in the creative industry, it is best to have a portfolio or website that showcases your work. You come off as a professional if you have samples of work to provide. It also makes it easier for more people to view and share your work.
When given the opportunity, ask unique questions. Prepare five to six questions to ask the interviewer. These questions should help you draw out more information about the position and company.
Upgrade Your Networking Skills
According to a survey, 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Networking is defined as interacting with others to develop professional or social contacts.
In your job search, build quality relationships. These relationships are with people you know online or offline. You need to connect with people who can vouch for your skills and experience.
Pew Research
Embrace social media. According to a study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management, 95% of HR specialists use LinkedIn as a recruiting tool, while 42 % said they used Twitter and 58 % said they used Facebook. In your job search, connect with professionals in your industry on these platforms.
Career Arc found that 55% of job seekers find social and professional networks to be the most useful resource during a job search. It is quite easy to find out about a job since you’re more likely to spend time on a social media platform rather than on job sites.
It is easy to research a company, learn about the values, mission, etc with a glance at its social media profiles.
Since recruiters will be checking your profile, maintain a professional tone and image. Clean up your social media profiles, showcase your work, build your voice and brand.
Find Yourself a Mentor
A mentor or a coach will guide you through your professional journey.
A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor or guide. Mentors offer their expertise, knowledge, and advice. They leverage their skills, experience, and networks to guide you.
A mentor will help you review your progress in the recruitment process and catch any mistakes before they become costly.
Whereas a coach is defined as someone who assists or guides you on specific skills and development goals. They break these goals into specific tasks to be completed within a specific time frame.
A coach will help you improve your skills before and after you get the job.
Get Ready for Your Next Interview With Help From Small Revolution
The internet is obviously the number one resource for your online job search.
Take advantage of the numerous online resources available from Small Revolution.
Their useful articles will help you perfect the resume writing process.
If you need to upgrade your skills before you are eligible for your online dream job, consider an online course. Enroll in specialized courses, such as how to become a virtual assistant, and fill any knowledge gaps you may have.
A polished resume, thorough training, and a positive attitude are essential in your successful job search.
