Job Hunters: Make Yourself a Shoo-in for Success

Looking for a new job can be an extremely intimidating process.??It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the work force for 30 years, or straight out of college as a newbie to the field. Maybe you’re switching industries or trying something completely different. Or maybe your new job search caught you just as off-guard as the layoff caught you. No matter how unprepared you’re feeling, you’re definitely not the first person ever who’s experienced this rollercoaster of emotions. Often in these unprecedented times is when we end up learning the most about ourselves. These road bumps cause us to adapt a new and intuitive way of thinking that challenges what is our “norm”. If your mind is stuck in a continual cycle of job confusion, take a sigh of relief. Below are tips you can reference that will elevate your search to the next level, and basically make you a shoo-in for the job you’ve always desired.

Qualify your questions.?So, they reviewed your resume and decided they want to bring you in for an interview. The nerves immediately hit when all of the questions they could ask start running through your mind. You’ve watched and practiced “the most commonly asked interview questions” dozens of times, but still feel unprepared. If you can’t set yourself apart with your answers, set yourself apart with your questions. Asking intellectual, meaningful questions during or after the interview can set you apart from the pack. Leave them thinking about your curiosity for their company.

Network nonstop.?If you’re reading this post, you’re already headed in the right direction. Resources such as LinkedIn, professional blogs, and other career websites are great resources to connect with people who are in positions you aspire to be. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Most people are willing to help or at least point you in the right direction.

Make yourself approachable.?This seems fairly obvious, but sometimes we can turn recruiters or hiring managers off without actually realizing it. For example, stating your strong political opinions or frivolously saying whatever you please on platforms such as LinkedIn, Tik Tok, Instagram, etc. is not the best way to portray yourself. Keep your professional standards high on social media outlets. At the end of the day, you’re representing a company through your posts and actions. Don’t let that one thing you said about the election haunt you in the final stage of your job search.

Search where they’re hiring!?It may be hard to feel like you’re settling for a company you’ve never pictured yourself at, but it’s better than applying and holding out for places that aren’t even looking. If you have a set mind only on a company that isn’t hiring, you’re doing a disservice to other companies that may be a better fit. Your time is useful, so put it towards jobs that will value your time, character, and experience.?