With your excellent skills, detailed knowledge, and vast experience, you may think that your job search will be smooth sailing, even in the current economic times. But don’t be too complacent.
Given the numbers of people who are out of work or underemployed, the likelihood of getting hired quickly may not be as easy as you think.
To differentiate yourself in your job search and get hired quickly, here are 5 tips to stand out from the rest and increase the chance of getting hired quickly:
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- Know your audience: With all of the businesses out there, the positions available, and the different requirements for them, you have probably noticed some overlap among their details, especially when you work in a specific industry.
It may seem like work, but knowing the specifics of every position, the qualifications each require, their background and current state of each business, and then tailoring your resume submission for each position will show initiative and interest – both of which are coveted by employers.
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- Have social media savvy: You notice a job posting, send in your resume, and wait. That’s the traditional way to get hired, and it’s not without its merit. But if you rely on only one method in your job search, how will you ever be noticed to get hired?
Therefore, add more job search portals by embracing social media. Your message will reach many more businesses, colleagues, peers, networking groups, and anyone else who might help you land that next job.
FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are only a few examples of social media outlets whose grasp is far-reaching. You can demonstrate your knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm to anyone and everyone in the world. And who knows where your next job may be!
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- Network where you can: Social media is one way to connect with others and stand out in the crowd, but it’s not the only way.
Online forums, face-to-face groups, workshops, continuing education classes, town business meetings are all additional ways to meet new people, start a dialog, and reveal your enthusiasm that can help you get hired.
Explore the options in your city, and if you cannot find any, start one yourself and begin one online. These forms of networking also demonstrate your initiative and drive
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- Polish your soft skills: It’s one thing to know how to perform the tasks of a job, but that’s only part of a successful career. Another part is having the right complementary soft skills. Long overlooked, these skills help you not only when in the job, but also to get hired.
For example, being polite, acknowledging others, and setting expectations are all necessary facets of excelling, and you can hone these soft skills in your job search.
Learn how to talk with people, understand their contributions, ask questions, and close loops such as followup and thank you letters will all demonstrate your professionalism regardless of job, industry, or knowledge level – and that’s something that employers will notice favorably.
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- Ask knowledgeable questions: No one knows everything about a position, topic, or industry. That’s why it’s important to ask questions, but not any type of question.
What do you need to know to get the position? What can you ask that shows your expertise without being overdone? Do your research to ask questions that are interesting, interested, and knowledgeable.
Getting noticed; it’s not an easy task to do when the competition for work is fierce. But it can be done to your advantage, if you know how.
Taking the time to address the tips above during your search will bring that job not just within your grasp, but right in the palm of your hand.
About the Author: Michelle Dumas
