1. Cover letter - Cover letters are not always required, however, they can make you stand out. Your cover letter should give a brief description of what and why you are applying to that particular position. Some employers will request this information in a specific manner. You must follow the exact instructions of the employer or they will over look you in an instant. Check your grammar by using the spell check if available or review your cover letter for errors. You may even request the opinion of those around you.
3. Education- Education still stands in importance but your experience can surpass the "requirement." Employers understand that experience can be just as important as an education or the combination of both. While a degree shows that you have self discipline, experience shows that you are ready to take on that position. Do not overlook opportunities that "require a degree" if you have years of experience. Employers need experienced workers because training costs them time and money.
4. Online and physical employment applications - Although you have a resume, most employers still require that you fill out their specific application. In some cases, online applications will pre-fill the application for you when you upload your resume but not all employers have a "smart" program that gets it exactly right. Make sure you go over the application and fill out every necessary area usually indicated by an asterisk (*). It can be time consuming and stressful, but if you follow instructions by the employer, they are more apt to not pass you by.
5. Key words - Many employers will use a program that pulls "key words" from the applicants online applications. This system helps employers sort through the applications to find more qualified candidates to save them time and money. When you are applying for a position, that you ARE qualified for, make sure you use similar wording as the job description if you have the same or exact experience so that they are able to find you. For example: you see a job opportunity as a fork lift driver in a warehouse and they require that you are certified. If you are certified and have experience driving a fork lift then add those words "certified fork lift driver" to your resume. Another example: if you are looking for a receptionist position and they want someone with "switchboard experience," be sure you have "switchboard operator" listed in your resume.
6. Competition - We all know that competition is fierce! Whether people want to admit it or not, (I'm a realist) it CAN BE a lot about "who you know," but you definitely don't want to admit to that when taking the personality tests or during your interview! On the other hand, there ARE many opportunities if you know where to look on your own. Careerbuilder and other websites offer a "competitive report" that tells you how many people are applying to the same position. The more experience you have for that position the better your chances. Don't let those numbers "scare" you but remember that higher numbers could mean a longer wait time and the further out in that line you are, the less of a chance due to all the candidates before you. Be sure to continue your search and always apply to jobs you are interested in even if the competition is high. Majority of those applicants may not be qualified for the position. Also, do NOT send your resume more than once unless specifically requested by the employer. Persistence in this manner does not pay.
7. YouTube - When the interview calls start coming in, YouTube offers many videos you can watch that show you what you need to know to prepare for your interview. Do a search for the type of career you intend to be hired for and pay close attention to what they say. View videos created by professionals such as Human Resource managers or instructors. Watch more than 3 videos to get a clear indication of what really matters. They will also prepare you on how to dress appropriately for your interviews no matter what type of job you are interviewing for when contacted. Speak clearly, show confidence and make eye contact but don't stare and avoid the "um" and "I don't know" responses. Be prepared and research the company you are interviewing for because many will ask what you know about them.
8. Patience - Banks, bill collectors, and utility companies will not "wait" for you to get a job to pay them, however, you still must keep in mind that the market is flooded with job seekers and it could take quite some time to land a job. Be patient and never give up. I have applied to 300+ jobs and received only a handful of calls for interviews. Sometimes, I didn't hear from an employer for 2-3 months and by then, I found a job elsewhere. You have to be a "go-getter" in order to win this fight. I suggest you fill out 15+ applications daily to increase your odds. Until you have all the paperwork filled out, turned in and a definite start date, do not stop searching. Sometimes verbal indications that you are going to be given the job can be changed in an instant. I speak from experience. Continue your search until your start date.
9. Mapping out your job search - It is important to think "outside the box" when job hunting. Indeed.com, CareerBuilder and monster.com are good websites for job hunting, however, you must think beyond the average search. Everyone you are competing with is looking to the typical ways to search. To stand out or to find a job and be one of the few applicants I recommend the following: a.) If you know the industry you work in, or a particular employer you wish to work with then go directly to their specific website for your job search to see what they have available. Sometimes, they will not have the listings on their websites but you can forward your resume to their human resources department or a specific manager. Doing so has been successful for me so I speak from experience, but do NOT excessively contact them. Send your resume and maybe follow up one time, about a week later but do not continue to contact them unless they request you to do so. b.) Use "social media" as your ally. LinkedIn is a great professional networking website that offers direct connections as well as a listing of job opportunities. c.) Networking, if you have friends or family working for a company you wish to work for, it's good to have the "reference" that companies often request when applying. Make sure your reference is someone who is admired, hard working, punctual and reliable. Having a "bad" reference is detrimental to your search, especially if they are family. It's not always the best idea, in my opinion, to work with friends and family due to the personal connections, however, you can make it work if you remember to separate those feelings. d.) Craigslist searches - be VERY CAREFUL when treading in these waters. Craigslist is full of false advertising and sneaky back door "jobs." If you do find something of interest, make sure there is either a company name, address and phone number or a direct contact name with company name. Before making that call, research the company online and see if you can connect that individual's name with the company. Try to avoid the "pyramid" jobs or the "selling cookware" jobs. Just be extra cautious when using Craigslist for your job search. e.) Post your resume to job boards - be sure to openly post your resume (IF NOT currently employed to avoid conflict with your employer) so that employers can find you. You may get many "sales" job offers so if that's not what you want then make sure you list specifics on what you are looking for to avoid those wasteful offers. f:) Use local job and staffing agencies to assist you in your search. They can help you find the exact position that is suited for you.
10. Job length history - Unfortunately, employers see short working time frames (less than 1-2 years per job) and having many jobs in a few years as a negative. Showing your desire to work with several jobs doesn't cross their mind as a positive. I lost my job and worked 8 jobs while also moving across the state and starting my life over and was rejected due to this, however, some employers understand hardships and reality of life. If you held more than one job in the same time frame then just list the one that relates to what you are applying to in order to limit the negative outlook it gives. Do not let this detail cause you to give up. Never give up, you WILL find what you are looking for but you must also be aware of these unfortunate facts to help you succeed.
11. References - Be sure to send references when requested by employers during your application process or for your interview. Make sure your references will provide the prospective employer with all of your best qualities in assisting you with your successful job search. Anyone who will state that you are of good moral character, reliable and go "above and beyond" should be a reference. Avoid providing family and friends as references since people who love you can be biased for employers because family and good friends would clearly want the best for you. Past supervisors, co-workers and clients whom you had good working relationships with will be your best references.
12. Honesty - Honesty during the process is the best policy when it comes to your resume and experience. Do not volunteer unnecessary information such as personal information that is unrelated to employment. You want to project a strong, happy and flexible personality in most cases but be true to yourself and your employer. If you lie or portray yourself in a dishonest way and are hired, most likely those lies will catch up to you and the employer will recognize it immediately which could lead to you being terminated. Desperation is not your friend and life's troubles should not lead you to do negative things for a paycheck. It will only prolong the hardship.
Above all, think positive and do not give up during your search. There is a job out there just for you!
