You’ve finally found an open position at your dream company. You know you’re qualified to do this work. But with hundreds of applicants applying for any given role, how do you ensure the hiring manager chooses you over everyone else?
Below, we share five tips to improve your chances of getting a job.
Be Proactive in Your Job Search
When job hunting, you can’t wait for hiring managers to approach you. You need to make an effort in your job search. That means taking a proactive approach. If you find a job you’re interested in, apply. Include a compelling resume, a tailored cover letter, andresearch the company.
Also,set alerts on job boards for positions you’re interested inso you get emails when matching roles are posted. You can also follow companies on social media, where they sometimes share open positions. Work your professional network to uncover hidden job opportunities. A solidjob search plancan help you land a new role faster.
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Contrary to popular belief, cover letters aren’t a thing of the past. Cover letters present an opportunity to market yourself in a way resumes just can’t.
This can be especially对转行至关重要since your past experience doesn’t always provide an obvious connection to the job you’re applying for. You should alsotailor your cover lettersto the employer and position you’re applying for.A compelling cover letter can set you apartfrom other candidatesand help clinch the interview.
Additionally,applicant tracking systems (ATS)scan cover letters for keywords to determine the most eligible candidates. So, even if a cover letter is optional for your job application, it’s a great item to send along—unless the employer specifically asks you not to upload one.
Be Professional
Dress like the professional you are. Don’t go out networking or passing out resumes in your jeans and T-shirt. You want tocreate a good first impressionwhen meeting potential coworkers or employers.
When preparing for an interview or networking event, you should find out if the event is business casual or requires professional business attire, such as a suit. Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free and comfortable.
Professional dress can be tricky to navigate, particularly for nonbinary job seekers. If you’re struggling to figure out what to wear, check out the Ohio State University College of Engineering’s blog post ongender-inclusive professional attire.
如果你无法支付职业装,consider reaching out to your local chapter ofDress for Successto get a professional outfit and help preparing for your interview.
Be Mindful With Social Media
Seventy percent of employersscreen candidates’ social media profiles. Make sure toclean up your profileif there might be posts you don’t want them to see. Also, adjust your profile’s privacy settings to limit who can see your posts.
At the same time,leverage social media to your advantage. LinkedIn is a social media platform for professional networking. Setting up aLinkedIn profile是容易的,完全free. You’ll want touse a professional profile photoand fill out your profile completely, so you appear in more searches.
Once you’ve created your profile, startnetworking with other professionals. Follow relevant hashtags and join LinkedIn groups to expand your network. With a little effort, you’ll make valuable connections and uncover hidden job opportunities.
Consult an Expert
If you’re doing all of these things and still not seeing results, consider getting professional help. A professional resume writer can leverage their expertise to create a resume tailored to your target roles that an ATS can read.
You can alsomeet with a professional career coachtodevelop a job search plan, uncover your strengths, and get tips on landing a remote or hybrid job.
Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job
Job searching can be nerve-racking. When you’re competing against hundreds of applicants, the stakes can feel high. However, you can increase your chances of getting the job by tailoring your cover letter, being mindful of social media, and taking a proactive approach to your job search.
Ready to find a new job? Since 2007, FlexJobs has been a leader in the remote and hybrid job space. Learn more about the benefits of a FlexJobs membership today!
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