Job searching is a scary experience, particularly if you have no idea how to deal with the different phases of the process. As a graduate, career professional, or career changer, these FAQs will walk you through the job search with ease and get you your dream job.
1) How do I make my resume stand out?
Your resume is your initial impression with possible employers, so its impact is of the utmost importance. A quality resume can literally make all the difference in the world between getting that interview or not. Below are some tried and true tips on how to get your resume noticed:
Tailor it to the job: It is essential that you customize your resume for every job that you apply for. Emphasize the skills, experience, and qualifications that are most applicable to the job advertisement. This alerts employers that you have taken the extra time to learn what they need.
Use strong action verbs: Strong action verbs such as “achieved,” “developed,” “led,” “implemented,” and “managed” express your impact and put into the spotlight what you have accomplished.
Quantify your accomplishments: Numbers and statistics make your accomplishments concrete. For instance, rather than “Improved sales,” use “Increased sales by 30% in six months.” It indicates the concrete value that you can bring to the table.
Keep it short and neat: A messy, difficult-to-read resume will chase away potential employers. Use a simple, readable format that emphasizes your strengths. Employers will only glance at each resume for a few seconds, so make yours simple to read.
2) What do I say when someone asks me, ‘Tell me about yourself’?
This is one of the most standard interview questions and one that quite frequently can frame the rest of the interview. Make sure you answer in a way that will make sense given your professional history and your passion for the position. Use the Present-Past-Future format:
Present: Begin by just letting the interviewer know who you are and what you do currently. Keep it brief and mention your last position and what you do there currently.
Past: Describe your past experience, emphasizing the skills and accomplishments most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Future: Close by informing the reader why you desire the opportunity. This is an opportunity to connect your career aspirations with the mission of the company.
Example: “I’m a marketing expert with five years of experience creating and implementing marketing plans. Previously, I have succeeded by implementing a campaign that yielded a 40% increase in engagement. I am now eager to utilize my expertise in an entrepreneurial company that values creativity and imagination.”
3) How can I negotiate my salary without jeopardizing the offer?
Salary negotiation is daunting, but it’s a natural and integral part of the hiring process. Here’s how you can negotiate confidently and successfully:
Do your research: It is necessary that you possess information regarding the industry salary rates for your profession and your area before entering any negotiation. Use tools such as Glassdoor and Payscale to conduct your research.
Show your enthusiasm first: Show your passion for the firm and role first and foremost, before negotiating remuneration. This indicates that you are actually interested in the role.
Make your desired pay range clear firmly: Target a pay range greater than your bottom line salary. This leaves a little room to maneuver and signals your expectations.
Show your worth: Express the experience, skills, and previous achievements which make you qualified. This will support your compensation request and also make it easier for the employer to recognize your worth.
Accept other benefits: If the employer is unable to accommodate your requested salary, show willingness and request other benefits such as bonuses, flexible working time, or promotional opportunities.
4) How to best follow up after an interview?
It is a good idea to follow up after an interview in order to confirm your interest in the position and make a good impression. The best way to follow up is:
Gratitude email: Write an email of gratitude within 24 hours after the interview. This is an opportunity to say thank you and reaffirm interest in the job.
Make it personal: Make reference to something special in the interview to make the email more personal. It might be a common connection, a project mentioned, or company-specific that energizes you.
Ask what’s next: Politely ask the hiring process timeline or the next step. This indicates that you’re a go-getter and still keen on the job.
Example: “Thanks so much for considering the chance to interview with me today. I’m really excited to be able to help your team. Looking forward to hearing the next steps!”
5) How do I know a job is for me?
Selecting the correct job is an important choice. This is how you should consider if a company and role are appropriate for you:
Company culture: Do your mission, work environment, and values match the company’s? The more similar the cultural fit, the higher the likelihood of long-term job satisfaction.
Space for career growth: Is the position open to advancement? Think about whether there are long-term professional growth opportunities, skills development, and opportunities for advancement.
Work-life balance: Is the position fair in balancing work and your own life? Think about flexible work hours, time spent commuting, and work-life balance culture of the company.
Job tasks: Are the day-to-day activities interesting and in congruence with your career aims and aspirations? Ensure the tasks are challenging you and in tune with your ultimate aims.
Atmosphere at work: Did you impress you when you had an interview with the company? The team may become a key player in how happy you end up being at work.
Follow your gut instincts. If it don’t feel good, it ain’t so.
Job hunting can be daunting, but with these basics in your arsenal, you’ll guide yourself through the job hunt process with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re beginning your career or transitioning careers, being prepared for every step of the way will put you on the path to success.
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