You've realized it's time to take the next step in your career. Whether you're looking for something new or you're a recent college graduate, preparing for a job search is going to take some time and effort if you want it to be successful. That's where we come in, use these simple tips to make this job search, your best one yet.
Before applying to any positions, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profiles are up to date and in alignment with each other. Your resume should describe both your responsibilities and your accomplishments. Explain your duties and how you've succeeded in your role. Use a bulleted list to give a clear picture of your skills and abilities. Use keywords from the original job description in your resume. This will stand out to recruiters and their filtering software. Include any industry-specific skills and certifications you hold. Your LinkedIn should include a professional headshot, a brief and creative bio, and rich content.
Congratulations! Your resume landed you an interview with the company you've had your eye on. Before your interview, research the company. Explore the company website. Do a Google search to see if they've been in the news lately. Be able to confidently explain what the company does. If this doesn't come up in the interview, find a way to bring it up. This shows a genuine interest in the company and shows you want to work there.
Come prepared with five or six thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. The type of questions you choose to ask should stem from what you need to know to thoroughly evaluate this position. Here are a few of our favorites. "What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?" "What does success look like in this position, and how do you measure it?" "What do you see as the most challenging aspect of this job?"
During the interview, be able to talk about your experience succinctly. You don't want to over talk and take up too much time while explaining a single incident. When an interviewer asks if you have experience performing a certain task, reply with, " Yes, (a brief example), would you like me to elaborate?" If you do not have experience performing this task, speak about a time where you performed a similar task. If you have never performed a similar task, speak about a time where you had to learn something new. This shows the interviewer you take initiative and have a willingness to learn. Rehearse talking about your experience with a friend or colleague. Doing so will help you to become more comfortable talking about yourself.
When conducting a job search or preparing for an interview, remember to do your homework. Make sure your resume accurately reflects your professional experience. Come to the interview prepared with thoughtful questions. Describe your experience in a way that shows you're the perfect candidate for this position.