Worried about how you'll differentiate yourself from the competition? We have ways to help you stand out from the crowd to ace your next job interview.
Traditionally, the fall is the busiest hiring period of the year for many companies. So whether you are a new graduate or just ready for a career change, now is the best time to get hired. Here is how to take advantage of the fall job search season and stand out from the crowd.
Tip #1: Don’t Wait!
I recommend not procrastinating and waiting for job opportunities to come to you. Be proactive in finding out what job opportunities are out there that might be a good fit for you!
If you have a relationship with a local recruitment agency I encourage you to reach out to them. Recruitment agencies are an excellent resource to open doors for you. They can help you with any questions you might have about opportunities that you might be interested in, companies and their reputations, resume adjustments depending on the job you are apply for, interview preparation and much, much more!
Tip #2: Do Your Research
A good way to start is to research companies where you would like to work and check out their websites to find out if they are hiring. If they are not currently hiring see if you know somebody at the company who can make an introduction for you on your behalf. You can also research the names of hiring managers and reach out to them, either through LinkedIn or email.
Don’t forget to communicate with your recruiter about your results. They might be able to make an introduction to a company on your behalf if they already have a long standing relationship. I encourage you to always run the jobs you are interested in applying to by your recruiter in case they can help you!
Tip #3: Cover Letters, Resumes, and Social Media
Once you have identified which jobs and companies you want to apply to, you are ready to prepare your marketing materials, which include your resume, cover letter, and personal websites (including social media pages). As you prepare for a job hunt, make sure your Facebook and LinkedIn pages are communicating the right messages to potential employers.
I recommend each company and opportunity be addressed individually and make sure your resume and cover letter reflects the position you are applying for. Try to keep your cover letter short and relevant. Come up with a short summary of who you are and why you would be a good fit, practice your interviewing skills and get your references in order, so you are ready to go if and when an interview is scheduled.
It does not matter how many interviews you get. If you are not saying what they want to hear, you are not getting the job. Remember that although lots of companies are hiring in the fall, lots of people are applying as well. You would be surprised at how many people don’t bother to do their homework before applying for a job.
Tip #4: Be Prepared
Before you go into an interview, you should research the company and hiring professionals you are scheduled to meet with, your knowledge shows your commitment, interest level and intelligence. You should be able to highlight how your particular skills and background are best suited for the job you are applying for and the company. A good place to start is on the company’s website. In addition to general information, you can often find links to articles written about the company.
Tip #5: Look The Part
Last but not least, make sure your personal appearance is communicating what you want it to say. Put together an interview wardrobe that is both polished and comfortable. A suit is always a good investment, but make sure it fits. If you are not sure about the company’s dress code, it’s always better to dress on the side of more professional business attire than a casual outfit. First impressions are always lasting. It shows that you are serious about the job and ready to get to work.
Now that fall has arrived and hiring is on an upswing, contact your local recruiter and follow the above recommendations and you will be in the best position to find the “perfect” job for you.