How many students do you think graduate every year? How many people do you think switch jobs every year?
With the number of job aspirants increasing every year, the number of people applying for the same job is also on the rise.
In such a competitive market, even the smallest mistake can push you out of the race.
What makes finding a job even more difficult is the fact that job applicants are now more prepared than ever before. They’re up-to-date with knowledge and skills in their own fields. And they’re also equipped with the soft skills they need to make a lasting impression on the employer.
How can you stand out in the crowd, then?
Well, there are certain fundamental things an individual must do which we have managed to curate for your sake.
1. Have a well-formatted resume
Your resume should be easy to read. It must have necessary information that’s relevant to the job. Your resume should explicitly tell the hiring manager why you are qualified for the job you’re applying for.
If you’re applying for the job of a graphic designer, it’s pointless to go on and on in your resume about your PHP coding skills. Similarly, if you have work experience of more than 3-4 years, it doesn’t really make sense to mention how much you scored in your 10th or 12th standard.
The purpose of your resume is to make the hiring manager curious about you. The key is to highlight all the skills that make you the best candidate for the job. For everything else, use the cover letter.
Do check out: 150 FREE downloadable resume templates you can use
2. Be mindful of typos and grammatical errors
Be mindful of typos and grammatical errors in anything you write. Proofread all the written material you send to the HR managers.
Remember, if you proofread your own stuff it’s possible that you might overlook some of your mistakes as your brain knows what you intended to write. Therefore, it’s advisable that you get your friend or colleague to proofread for you.
Error-free resumes are the most basic requirement. It shows the HR manager that you’re serious about the job and have put the effort into your application.
3. Google your name to see what comes up
There was a time when you didn’t need the internet to find a job. But today the internet has become an integral part of everyone’s life. When you apply for a job, the internet is also usually the first place HR managers will look you upon. And do you want drunk pictures of you and your friends partying to show up?
While the most sensible thing to do would be to delete such pictures, we also know that what goes on the internet could stay on the internet. The second best thing you can do is balance it out, or even push these results down by creating professional profiles on networking platforms like LinkedIn. Or uploading a lot of links to your work on sites like SlideShare or Quora.
4. Read up about the company you’re interviewing for
Knowing the company in and out before you go for an interview is a must. Remember, knowing the company’s mission and values would prove to the hiring managers that you are serious about this opportunity. This could also give you an edge over others.
For doing this, the company’s website is a great place to start. It would also help if you read up about the important people in the company.
If you get a chance to meet them at the interview, mentioning how you appreciate their contribution to the field would make them remember you for a long time.
5. Network, network and network some more.
Today, most people search for jobs on job portals. This is definitely a great way to learn about job openings. And, if you have friends or know someone working in the same field you can get a better perspective about the field and the hiring process.
If you hardly know anyone from the same field, consider going for some networking events where you would meet such people. Or find a mentor online and ask if they’d be willing to help you understand the industry better. Most people are kind enough to oblige unless you get clingy or annoying.
6. Maintain a positive attitude
Job hunting is not an easy process. Going through job portals, writing cover letters and resumes can get frustrating at times. The frustration can manifest in your resumes and interviews.
Why take rejections personally? View each application as a new opportunity.
Maintaining a positive attitude gets especially difficult if you’ve been job hunting for a long time with no success. It is at times like this that NLP skills come to your rescue.
Check out our workshops: Power of Words or Get Your Dreamz with Zingformation
7. Why annoy the HR manager? Give them space.
It’s natural to get anxious about the HR manager’s decision after you’ve interviewed for a job. And that’s a wrong reason to keep calling or emailing them twice every day!
This can annoy them and you would end up getting ignored by them. Ideally, limit your follow up to a maximum of twice.
A good HR manager usually lets you know their decision within a week, even if you lost the opportunity. But if they haven’t called you even after following up, it’s best to assume that your true opportunity lies elsewhere and move on.
8. Usea professional email addresse
Imagine you’re an entrepreneur hiring employees for your own company. Would someone with an email ID like angelpriyafromheaven@gmail.com or rockythedude@yahoo.com look like the best candidate for the job?
No. Right?
Even if you’re the best fit for a job or your resume is the best one in the world, sending your application with an email ID like this can get you ignored and blocked.
Never use an unprofessional email address when applying for a job. Always use an official or formal email address which you use for work purposes only.
Finding your dream job in a competitive market is definitely not easy. But with the right skills, training and preparation, you can easily make it.
Are you on the hunt for your dream job?
Prepare better and avoid failure. Register for Zingformation’s Get Your Dreamz.
Key topics covered in the program are –
- The connect of your Dream job to the brain and the mysteries of the brain
- Communication for the Dream Job
- The 7 key ZINGles of Job Getting
- Secret Tools for winning interviews
- Instant confidence for interviews, group discussions and meetings
- The secret inspiration within you that creates zing in your job and career
Have a question? Or wish to know more about this workshop? Leave a comment below. Or get in touch with us here.
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Curious about other workshops by Zingformation? Do check it out here.
