Searching for jobs, let alone applying for jobs, is one of the most stressful things for a young person. It can be a lot of work and take a lot of time. In this blog you are going to learn some great tips for searching for jobs in your career field as well as how to stand out in your application.
Searching
There are so many platforms to utilize when job searching. First off, LinkedIn is a great way to connect with people in your field so that you can get a feel for the jobs you are applying for. It can be utilized for job searching, connecting, and learning about different people and companies. Through LinkedIn, you can see which companies are hiring and can even apply on the site. If you can find the recruiters or people from the company, it would be beneficial to reach out to them to solidify that relationship. To do that, you can either reach out to them on LinkedIn or email them directly. Some organizations have a hiring committee that you can get in contact with.
Another great resource for job hunting is Google. When you search keywords on Google, a whole section pops up with jobs related to your search. From there, you can read the summary of the job, save it for later or apply through other sites listed on the main advertisement.
Lastly, Glassdoor is a fantastic tool to use when searching for a new job. It has many resources within the site to guide you through the process of finding a job that works for you and applying for it.
Resume
You want to make sure your application is grammatically correct and utilizes proper spelling. Lacking good grammar is an automatic strike and takes away from your overall application. Next, you want your resume and cover letter to be tailored directly to the job. Using keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter is super important and helps you stand out. Also, get specific on your resume! Always include project-based skills you have acquired rather than general skills. For instance, rather than saying you are organized, you could say you have experience with organizational structuring for social media plans. Another example would be saying that you are proficient in creating branded graphics rather than saying you are a graphic designer.
Online Presence
Keeping a good online presence is also a great way to stand out. Having a portfolio with your work readily available for the hiring committee is a great way to leave a positive impression. Recruiters want to see your project-based work. Updating your portfolio goes hand-in-hand with upholding your LinkedIn presence. Being active on social media and LinkedIn makes a difference in how the hiring committee sees you and your work. If you are a talented photographer or videographer, be sure to have some of your work linked for employers to view. If you are great at writing and editing, share some articles or blogs you have written on LinkedIn and your own personal website.
Preparing
When going into an application or an interview, make sure you have read up on the company. You want to show the company and recruiters that you have looked into the role you are applying for, as well as the organization itself. Knowing about the company, its platform and recent news about it will help you stand out to the recruiter. Research and find things like their goals, their mission, their key executives and their history as an organization.
Job searching, applying and interviewing can be one of the most stressful experiences anyone faces. By preparing yourself and taking the time to make your resume pop, you will be benefiting yourself in the long run and impressing job recruiters too!
Written by: Katie Mann
2/12/2021