Sometimes, the best way to find hidden jobs is to call a contact in your network and ask what’s available. You never know who will be aware of a position that you could fill.
All it takes is a phone call, but it could make all the difference.
Tag Archives: Quick Tip
Gradversity Quick Tip #37: Get Recommended On LinkedIn
If you are currently looking for work, you are probably already on LinkedIn (and if you aren’t, you should be). One great way to make your LinkedIn profile stand out is to get “Recommended”. Recommendations on LinkedIn are similar to references that you might see on a resume, except they are short and to the point. The idea is to allow your reference to provide a few short sentences which portray you in a positive light.
Take the time to gather recommendations from your bosses, coworkers, and acquaintances. It’s a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates on LinkedIn.
Gradversity Quick Tip #36: Make Yourself An Expert
Want to get a job in a certain field? Make yourself an expert. Try starting a blog related in some way to the industry or job you want. Over time, this will add credibility to your resume and provide a platform for future job growth. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but can pay off handsomely in the long run.
Gradversity Quick Tip #35: Keep Your Resume Updated
When you aren’t actively looking for work, periodically take some time to keep your resume updated. You never know when a great opportunity will present itself.
Gradversity Quick Tip #26: Look At Non-Profits
As a new grad, it can be very difficult to break into the Entry Level Job market. That being said, one of the other areas you can look at is the Non-Profit sector. Not-For-Profit organizations are always looking for smart, motivated people. And while they often pay less than For-Profit companies, they can provide great experience for someone who is just starting out.
Broaden your job search to include non-profits and you may find a path to the job you really want.
Gradversity Quick Tip #25: Take A Break
Job hunting can be a full time job. When the pressure is on to find steady income, it’s tempting to spend every waking hour preparing resumes for every posted position.
However, going full speed without a break is a sure-fire recipe for burn out. Make sure that you take enough time in your day to relax and unwind. Your job hunt will thank you.
Gradversity Quick Tip #23: Manage Stress
Job hunting is stressful. This is a fact that every job hunter knows well. However, successful candidates are often those who are able to manage their stress.
Stress can cause anxiety, changes in tone, hand shakes, nervous stuttering, and many other minor issues. If you are unable to manage this stress, it can cost you the interview and likely the job.
If you stress out easily, take some time to find relaxation and calming techniques that work for you. It may help with your next interview.
Gradversity Quick Tip #22: Public Speaking
Nervous for interviews? Try getting practice through public speaking. Many people fear having to speak in front of crowds and this same type of fear can crop up during interviews as well.
Volunteering for speaking roles in class assignments or joining a club like Toastmasters can help to give you the confidence to speak in front of others. The more confident and comfortable you are speaking in front of people, the more likely you are to be at ease in an interview.
Gradversity Quick Tip #20: Get LinkedIn
Over the past several years LinkedIn has become the premier social network for the modern job hunter. It provides access to contacts within any given organization which you wouldn’t have had before. If you aren’t taking advantage of networking power of LinkedIn, you are already losing the job search battle.
Get on LinkedIn for the good of your job search and start networking!
Gradversity Quick Tip #19: Style AND Substance
When applying for a job that you really want, make sure to pay attention to both the style AND the substance of your application package.
People with well formatted “fluff” resumes have difficulty landing jobs. The same goes for resumes that show great accomplishments in a messy, displeasing format.
Ensure that you strike a balance between style and substance relative to the posting to improve your job search odds.
Gradversity Quick Tip #18: Stop Mumbling
Interviews can be very stressful and it’s not uncommon for a candidate to become anxious during this process. Unfortunately, some people tend to mumble or speak quietly when they are nervous.
As a job candidate, this can be an interview killer. Employers are looking for strong, confident candidates and appearing nervous and anxious will not help your cause.
To combat this, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of the reasons that you got the interview in the first place. By doing this, you are more likely to have a successful interview.
Gradversity Quick Tip #17: Learn To Sell
Regardless of what people tell you, finding a job requires sales skills. You need to be able to pitch yourself to a company in order to land a position.
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not just about selling your skills. You also need to sell an employer on your fit with the organization, as well as your overall value (your skills relative to your required salary).
And finally, remember your ABC’s: Always Be Closing! Treat an interview as an opportunity to “close the sale” and you will be more likely to land the job.
Gradversity Quick Tip #16: Cold Call
If you find a job that you really want, but lack any “inside” connections, try cold calling. This involves calling a company’s main line and asking to speak with either the hiring manager or human resources.
Many times you will be brushed off by the receptionist, but if you do reach the right person on the other end of the line, be short and sweet. Make sure that they know who you are, why you are calling, and re-iterate your interest in the position. Make your pitch in no more than 30 – 45 seconds.
It doesn’t always work, but it can sometimes allow you to get a leg up on other candidates.
Gradversity Quick Tip #15: Follow Up
These days it’s not enough to just apply to an open position. You need to take the extra step to ensure that you get noticed. This is why following up is so important.
Following up can take many forms: phone calls, emails, or even hand written notes. This gives the employer an extra reason to look at your application. You can also be sure that your strongest competition is also following up.
Don’t handicap your application before it gets off the ground. Follow up with the employer to help improve your odds of landing the job you want.
Gradversity Quick Tip #14: Informational Interviews
Want to get a foot in the door? Try to land an informational interview. An informational interview is your chance to learn more about a company face-to-face. It’s not a real interview, but it is a great chance to make a positive first impression.
However, these interviews are not given away to just anyone. You still have to find a way to get in touch with the company (likely HR) and impress them enough to want to meet you. Try using networking sites (such as LinkedIn) or even cold calling to make contact. If you succeed, you may find yourself with a leg up in your job search.
Gradversity Quick Tip #13: Be Confident
One of the best things that you can do for your job hunt is to be confident. A confident person can draw the admiration and appreciation of the people around them in ways that other people can’t. Imagine if you were able to influence your interviewer just because you believe in what you are saying and your ability to accomplish your goals. It’s a powerful tool.
Not a confident person? Fake it. Take some time and practice building confidence (practice interviews, speaking in front of a mirror, etc.). An increase in confidence will increase your chances of being hired.
Gradversity Quick Tip #12: Talk Slowly
There is always a tendency for people to talk quickly when they are in tense situations. It happens to the best of us (especially when public speaking). However, if you can control the speed of your voice, you can avoid appearing nervous. This, in turn, can earn you big points in an interview. Employers are always appreciative of someone who is good under pressure.
Be aware of how fast you talk in order to be more convincing in interviews.
Gradversity Quick Tip #8: Sign Your Cover Letters
Always sign your cover letter. Even if you are submitting a digital one, scan in a copy of your signature. This gesture goes a long way when it comes to standing out from the crowd.
While you won’t get hired for your signature, you might just get noticed.
Gradversity Quick Tip #6: Rejection Letters
Don’t keep or display your old rejection letters. While it may be a “badge of honor” to have applied to (and been rejected by) many companies, it’s more beneficial to put the past behind you and focus on the task at hand.
Never underestimate the power of a positive attitude in your job search. Negativity will get you nowhere fast.
Gradversity Quick Tip #5: Tailoring
No recruiter likes to read a generic cover letter or resume. This type of “rookie move” does not make an employer believe that you understand the needs of the organization.
Take the time to tailor each resume and cover letter to the specific job and your success rate will go up.
Gradversity Quick Tip #4: Avoid Fragrances
You may love wearing the latest perfume or cologne, but doing so will likely hurt your chances of getting through the interview process. While there is always a chance that an interviewer will love your scent, these smells are a turn-off for many people.
Sadly, first impressions are often the ones that decisions are based on. Don’t allow your fragrance spoil an otherwise great first impression.
Gradversity Quick Tip #3: Be Early
Always plan to show up to an interview at least 15 minutes early. Being early shows an employer that you are a punctual person and conveys the message that you take the interview process seriously. It also allows you some extra time in case you get held up for any reason (traffic, lost, etc).
Why is this important? Because showing up late to an interview, regardless of the excuse, will usually end your candidacy for the job. Always be early!
Gradversity Quick Tip #2: Smile
Just before you walk into an interview, be sure and remind yourself to smile. A smile is a great way to connect with a potential employer and it might just be what separates you from another, equally qualified candidate.
Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine smile. It just might win you the job.
Gradversity Quick Tip #1: Proofread
Spelling and grammar problems are the quickest way to derail your job applications. Ensure you proofread each cover letter and resume at least twice before you submit them to an employer. And, whenever possible, have a trusted friend or family member review them as well.
Err on the side of caution to ensure you don’t take yourself out of the running prematurely.