How do you set yourself up for success? Achieving any goal requires planning before taking action. So, if you are aiming for a particular job position, don’t act so quickly. There are things that you need to consider before you send your application. Yes, going over the list of the things you need to do is not easy. On the other hand, rushing the process can harm your job search. Thus, it’s better to determine first the steps you need to take before you apply to any job to increase your chances of getting hired.
Before You Hit “Send”: 6 Tips for a Successful Job Search
1. Read and understand the entire job posting
Some hiring managers put instructions on how you should apply for the role aside from sending your resume. There are job postings that require writing a specific subject line in the email when submitting your application. Also, there are those that instruct to fill out a google form while giving details on how you should answer the questions. Therefore, watch out for all the details to be able to follow the entire instructions in the job posting.
2. Tailor your resume to a specific role
Don’t send a generic resume. You should match your qualifications with the job requirements and clearly show these through your resume. Remember to always consider what the company needs. Catch the hiring manager’s attention by crafting your application based on the demands of the job. So, state your qualifications that are relevant to the position.
3. Ensure your materials are free of error
Sending a resume or a cover letter with a grammatical error can ruin your credibility as a professional. It’s not just about not being good in English. But it’s more on seeing you as someone who doesn’t pay attention to details. Hiring managers would like to hire someone who is detail-oriented. So, go over everything to make sure it’s spotless. Or else, have it checked by a good friend.
4. Assess why you are the best candidate for the job
Even if you are not sure that you’re the one on top of the game, you should be confident enough to demonstrate your potential. Since you are applying for a job, why not strive to be the best candidate? If you don’t know how to answer the question, “Why should we hire you?”, then it’s better not to send your application.
5. Take a step back and review your application
Give your application another round to be reviewed. This is to make sure that it doesn’t have any mistake and follows all the instructions in the job posting. One error can harm your chances of making a good impression. Your approach to job search should be like selling your talent. So, give your best shot to impress the hiring manager.
6. Clean up your social media profiles
Digital innovation has made it easy for recruiters to do a background check about their applicants. Can you imagine them seeing you drunk in a photo? How are your posts about office jokes that might offend some employers? Just make these posts private in your account if you still want to keep these. The important thing is your professionalism should be evident should the recruiters try to check on your social medial profiles.
If you do these things before you apply to any job, you will boost your chances of getting interview invitations. Being invited for a job interview is like winning the first stage of the job hiring process. So, in order to get there, take these 6 steps to move closer to your success in job search.
Find these tips useful? We have more career advice, workplace tips, and job search tips on our blog. If you’re looking for jobs in the Philippines or abroad, sign up now and start applying!
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