Yeah it’s tough out there. I can almost hear the groans coming from people at their computers filling out application after application just thinking: all this work just to get an email later telling me in nice words I’m not good enough.
With so many different jobs showing up and thousands of people across the world applying to them, it seems impossible to stand out. Even when you do stand out enough to get an interview, you have to work even harder as now the best of the best are alone to compete. But have no fear! There are ways to keep your name in the front of the line and next are six of the most reliable ones I know that will keep you a step ahead.
1. Don’t limit your résumé to just one page
I know that one-page résumés have been the rule for years. But seriously, why bound your capabilities upon first impression? Why shouldn’t the hiring manager know you were interested in the field since your first internship? If you think that your experience will work in your favor and the only thing that is stopping you from showcasing it is an extra page, go for it. No manager is going to throw away your résumé because they have to turn the page or scroll down.
2. Be careful who you take job advice from
(Who am I? I know right!) But seriously, it’s a different time. How your father got his job may not help you get yours. In fact, it may hinder it. Either way, someone who has had the same position for 20 years can’t confidently tell you how to land a job now. More importantly, some people make a lot of assumptions based on a single experience and as many of you know, there are definitely different scenarios. Make your own determination fit for the direction you’re heading.
3. Do your research about the role and the company
This may be obvious but you’d be surprised how many people I have interviewed who did not really know the job requirements or much about the company. Don’t assume because you were a Marketing Coordinator at one company, you know exactly what they are looking for in the current Marketing Coordinator position. Find out a few key points about the role and the company you can relate to. Not only does this let the manager know that you are prepared for the interview, it makes for good conversation and if you are still in the beginning stages of the hiring process, a good cover letter.
4. Have confidence in yourself
It is very easy to differentiate someone who is just nervous and someone who lacks the confidence in surviving the interview. It’s also very telling. Nobody expects you not to be nervous during an interview. That’s natural. But when you lack confidence it shows in your answers, response time and even in a handshake. Know yourself, and more importantly, know what you went there to do.
5. Follow-up email
This usually gets forgotten because people find themselves too busy to send a brief email. Find time. This is another way to stand out. Thank them for the time because in all reality, they didn’t have to call you and you may not be as special as you think. Saying thank you shows the hiring manager that you appreciate the fact that they picked you to compete for the role. Making them feel good, makes you look good.
6. Keep in contact
It is simple to get your foot in the door. Even if you did not receive a business card at the end of your interview, all you have to do is some research. When you keep in contact, you’re harder to forget about. It may seem a little annoying but it’s worth it. Recruiters and managers could possibly go through hundreds of résumés while hiring for a specific role so no matter how you doll up your résumé, there will always be a chance it can become part of the haystack and not the needle. Best advice that was given to me years ago: all you need is the company’s email format and a person’s name. After that, the door is open.
We have to accept that the job market is extremely competitive. No longer can we walk into a random office throw some charm its way and expect to start work the next day. Follow these steps and I am sure that you will start seeing better results.
