Securing the Job: What I could have done differently

Securing the Job: What I could have done differently

When starting a job hunt, we usually identify the titles, jobs, companies, and salaries we desire. Then we limit our focus to just these areas, essentially creating a nice little box for ourselves. What many people don’t realize is that getting a job is as much an art form as it is a scientific equation, with a bit of luck mixed in.job_hunt

Here are some tips that job seekers should integrate into their job hunt process:

Increase Your Chances of Being Found

Let’s face it, when hunting for a job, WHO you know is just as important as WHAT you know. Companies that are hiring, place open job positions online while also actively searching for candidates, too. On top of traditionally applying for positions, you should also make sure your resume and profiles are easily found online. Then focus on networking face-to-face or through a professional medium such as LinkedIn.

Your Resume Should Showcase Your Strengths

Try our 10 second test! Print out your resume and put it on the table in front of a friend or family member. Tell them to shut their eyes. Explain to them that after they open their eyes, they have the next 10 seconds to read your resume. After 10 seconds, turn the resume over and ask them what they remember or what stood out in your resume. These are the areas that will be seen first when you apply for a job! Make sure that they COUNT!

Ask the Right Questions

Remember that box we talked about in the beginning? When a recruiter or HR representative calls you about the job, don’t focus your questions on the salary, company or job title. Instead ask about the job itself and about how that job impacts the company. When interviewing with a recruiter, ask about why the job is available, who they are looking for, and some of the challenges/responsibilities included (if they have not already been covered.) To ensure the interviewer asks about your strengths, ask, “Is (list on of your strengths) important to this job?” Then you can answer using examples that best demonstrates your strength.

Answer Questions with Detailed and Specific Results

Sometimes you will be asked yes or no questions with the expectation that you will elaborate on your answer. If the person conducting the interview asks you if you are a good communicator, don’t answer with a “yes” or “no,” instead give exact examples and data, if possible. A good answer might sound like, “Yes! I actually developed a simple, yet effective email grouping system that allowed the managers to send group emails to the entire sales staff. This saved us 15-20 minutes of searching for and adding the correct emails each time.”

Don’t Focus on Negotiating Compensation

Prove you are worthy! At the end of the interview, ask what the interviewer is most concerned about regarding your background. Then attempt to address this concern with a data driven answer. Also, ask about the freedom associated with the job at hand. If you are free to create, redefine, or add-on to the job, then you have the chance to increase your compensation over time as you show them how valuable you really are.

During your job hunt, it’s natural to get excited when that call comes in, but just remember these steps and stay level headed. If you aren’t getting any calls, increase the time you spend job hunting, networking, applying for jobs, and review your overall profile presence online.


For more information on applying for jobs within River City Staffing, click HERE! We will go through the hiring process with you and make sure you are ready to interview!

 

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