Job Hunting Tips

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Regardless if you are new to the job market or a seasoned job seeker, these job hunting tips can help to set up your job search campaign for success.

Check your resume for mistakes
Before submitting your resume to a prospective employer, check your resume for corrections at least three times. After researching about the job position, it is critical that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you should put in detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typographical and grammatical errors are serious no-no’s. It is also ideal to keep the length of the resume’ to no more than a page and a half long.

Taking the interview challenge
A survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm based in California which corresponded with 1,400 chief financial officers concluded that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes they made included: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and the position applied for, and having a superiority complex and behaving arrogantly. Although your body language should show that you are confident, you shouldn’t be overbearing. Maintain eye contact, have a strong handshake, and avoid looking defensive by crossing your arms. Wearing the right clothes is crucial for projecting a confident appearance. Remember, it is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.

Answer questions smartly
A common mistake of interviewees is that they tend to get tense and forget the questions that are given to them, which has the effect that they are not prepared for the interview. It is important to research about the company and the position applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If you do not know the answer to a question being asked, it is better to admit you don’t know the answer to the question and add that you can research it. Look for the skills or expertise that the company is looking for, so that when interview day comes and the interviewer asks about your strengths and core competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.

Getting the necessary referrals
Having a referral from one of the company employees can go a long way toward landing an interview. A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by referrals. The odds of getting hired when you have a referral are very high if you have another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you do not know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to got to the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having a referral greatly increases your chances of getting the position.

Getting the job you want may be a challenge, but never lose hope. It is better to wait awhile and get a job that you will enjoy, rather than get a job as soon as possible but ending up dissatisfied and unhappy. Make the right decision then act on it.