Sending out resumes and filling out applications without any luck?
Facing rejection can certainly be discouraging. The simple solution is to get back to the basics with some practical tips to help you become more employable to hiring managers and recruiters.
If you think about your job application strategy as a self-marketing strategy, we might be able to tackle some of the problems that prevent you from getting your foot in the door.
Have a polished and active social media presence
Social media isn’t for everybody, but whether you like it or not, future employers are looking you up online. Make sure what they find is great, so remove any outdated and inappropriate content one could find of you on the internet.
If you’re averse to social media but had pick one—choose LinkedIn as your platform. You can subscribe to news and advice surrounding your profession and it’s the best professional online networking tool.
Having an up-to-date profile and growing connections is a surefire way to help you find new job prospects via your network and recruiters.
Revisit your resume
Your resume is the piece of marketing material with the goal of landing you an interview. More often than not, it’s the case of the bad resume that can leave you feeling unemployable.
Get back to the basics and revisit your resume. Are you guilty of committing any of these resume mistakes?
It can also take another set of eyes to find any mistakes or design issues in your resume. So, ask a trusted colleague to look it over or seek professional advice.
Learn a new skill
If you feel like you’re falling short on the job description requirements, can you take courses to put yourself on top? Take an online course at your own pace and learn how to code, learn a new accounting program, or even a new language.
Learning new skills builds confidence, helps you explore new interests, and adds that extra juice to your resume.
Network
Join online forums and groups in your industry to extend your network reach. You can also catch up with old colleagues over coffee and ask for advice.
Remember, networking works both ways, if you’re open to helping people out, they’re more willing to help you when you need it too.
Volunteer in your community
Volunteer opportunities are a great way to broaden your skill set and grow your network at the same time. Volunteering doesn’t take a significant time commitment and it’s something you can commit to while at your current job.
If you make yourself available and become a trusted and helpful member of the team, they might even offer you a job when there’s an opening!
Dress for success
Turns out, there is some merit to the old phrase “dress for success.” Your outfit is making a statement to the people around you, affecting how they receive you. So put your best shoe forward and dress smartly.
Most importantly, believe in yourself
You know the phrase, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take?” That applies to your job application strategy. If you think you meet the job requirements, go for it and do it confidently with these new tidbits of advice.
Carry yourself with confidence and prove to your potential employer that you’re the best candidate for the role—and good luck!
