by Chris Russell, JobsInRI.com
Looking for a job can be a daunting task and the cards are stacked you because of the competition and systems used by employers to help screen and filter the volume of candidates.. The team at JobsInRI has created a simple checklist to consider as you search for your next opportunity. They will help you be and look sharp and demonstrate you have brought your A game to your employer.
- Research your target employer
- Tailor your resume
- Create a short and compelling cover letter
- Look for a referral from within your network
- Apply for the job once
- Don’t apply to multiple jobs at the same company
- Follow up
Research your target employer
Doing your homework means reading through the company website, seeing what is out there on Google has to say and even looking at reviews on sites like Glassdoor, yes even Yelp. If you see a lot of bad reviews you probably have an idea of what is in store for you. Learning about their business and industry will certainly help you succeed once you are in the interview.
Tailor Your Resume
One resume does not fit all. For each job you apply to you must tailor your resume to fit the job description or ad. Use some of the same keywords and phrases they use in order to align your skillset to the job and avoid being screen or filtered out by technology solutions. Use an online service like Google Drive to manage your files or create multiple resumes on your JobsInRI.com.
Cover Letter
When it’s an option submit a short and concise cover letter that tells the employer why you want the job and why you are qualified for it. Your goal should be to reinforce why you are the best candidate and highlighting thing success from your resume
Referrals
Before you apply look to see if you know anyone at the company. Referrals are the first choice for recruiters and managers Check your Facebook friends and LinkedIn connections to see if anyone you know works there. They may be able to refer you directly and get your resume viewed faster.
Applying
When it comes to applying for jobs always follow directions and fill in the information as accurately as possible. Have a sensible email address and always add your name to your resume file, never name it resume.doc for instance. (ex: JohnSmith4Sales.doc)
Avoid Duplication
Applying to multiple jobs at the same company is a red flag to most HR and recruiting teams. Only apply to the job you are most qualified for. You want to demonstrate desire and confidence for the job you want and not appear desperate.
Follow Up
You will most likely receive an acknowledgement that your resume was received. When it comes to following up however give yourself 7-10 days before trying to contact the company. They may just be busy and haven’t even started the interview process yet. Also keep in mind some employers do advance pipeline building for future jobs. So don’t burn any bridges regardless the outcome.
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