Job Hunting Tips and Strategies

As an employer, we get to see many applicants and browse through hundreds of resumes. The Internet and in particular the rise of social media websites such as Linkedin for example, has made the pool of potential job applicants much larger. Finding the right job applicant these days can take a lot of time and research.

With so many people now competing for so few jobs, what we are seeing is a savvy group of job seekers who are using multiple tactics and strategies to differentiate themselves from their competition and stand out to prospective employers in their job searches.

The use of the Internet has changed the way we search for work forever. However, one truth remains: the vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. Networking is still alive and well. It might be called “Facebook”, “Linkedin” or “Social Networking” these days, but it remains your network of friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances. This is an incredibly valuable job search resource and will continue to be so in the future.

Here are some job hunting tips and a list of strategies and techniques to differentiate yourself from your competitors and help you land that perfect job.

Job Hunting Tips

• Build an Online Resume – Instead of just submitting a resume online or filling out forms, build your own online website portfolio. Then, direct potential employers towards it so they can see everything you’ve accomplished. It shows initiative and gives them a better picture of your experiences and abilities.

• Get Creative – Put together a resume that’s actually compelling. A little creativity can set you apart and help you stand out from the pool. Online tools can be of great help when it comes to creating something a little less ordinary.

• Tweet your Jobs – Use this tool to handle the searching for you. Just tell it what kind of job you want and it’ll text, tweet, and email options to you as they’re discovered.

• Watch the Current Climate – Pay attention to the current economic state and think about what industries are doing well. Then, try to find employment within those specific industries. Use statistics and trends as a guide to help you find the right companies at the right time.

• Search for Great Companies – Look into the companies you’re interested in and see which ones fit your needs. Getting a great job isn’t just about doing something you enjoy, but also about working in a good environment. That means you want to seek out companies who have a reputation for treating their employees well.

• Network – The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. Your network of friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances is a valuable job search resource. Networking is a great way to expand your horizons and increase opportunities.

• Use All Resources – Don’t just go to job search websites to find open positions. Look into online trade magazines, business websites, and even your local government websites to see what is available.

• Know Your Abilities – Think about your past experience and what you’re aiming toward. Make your goals clear in your resume so employers will be able to tell in advance if you are a good match for them.

• Apply with Care – When you fill out an online application, be sure to complete it as thorough and accurately as possible. Look out for any misspellings and grammatical errors. Include all of your pertinent information and read back over it before you click the submit button.

• Name Your Resume Correctly – Most people name their saved resume as: Resume.doc, but you should name the file using your actual name instead. Otherwise, your resume will be just another one lost in the endless shuffle that employers get. By using your name, they can easily identify it later if they need to go back to it.

• Use a Cover Letter – A cover letter or cover email will help the employer get a “feel” for who you are before they even see your resume. Express your interest and use good grammar when drafting the cover letter.

• Be Prepared – Research into the company and use all the information you gather to provide the raw material for asking questions and raising discussion points. Take note of relevant market trends and the company’s competitors.

• Be Specific – When you submit your resume, be sure to include specific information such as how much education you have, how many years’ experience you’ve garnered, and how much money you are asking for. Using hard numbers helps employers get a better idea of who you are.

• Body Language – Understanding the cues you send out and reading cues from others can be immensely helpful in a job interview. Your goal is to appear comfortable but professional.

• Stay Fresh – Being without a job for a while can dull your skills. Try to stay sharp. Practice whatever it is you’ve been doing, and learn about new techniques so you can offer potential employers something others may not be able to.

• Negotiate – Most online job postings will list their offered salary upfront, but sometimes they will not. Be prepared to negotiate if you have to, and set your limits beforehand so you don’t accept less than what you can live with.

• Evaluate the Offer – You’ve put in hundreds of resumes and finally got an offer. But is it really what you want? Evaluate several factors before you make your final decision.

• Don’t Burn Bridges – Resigning is easy, but resigning gracefully is not. Try to make your resignation as smooth and as grudge-free as possible. You want to leave your current company on good terms. You never know when you may encounter a coworker again or need to call that company for information or a favor. Burning bridges simply isn’t in your best interest.

• Use Social Networks to Your Advantage – Remember that networking is often the key to a successful job search. Use the power of social networking websites to get your name out there and let others know what you’re looking for.