Every week I get questions from job seekers at all levels across all industries that basically amount to, “Lezlie, how do I stand out from all the other job seekers out there?”
Welllllll you know I like actionable tips, so today I’ve got some answers for you in an easy roundup list!
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Enjoy these 💪10 powerful tips💪 to boost your callback quotient so you get more interviews and job offers.
10 Tips to Amplify Your Job Search 🔊
1 – Get clear on what you’re pursuing
If you don’t set a clear intention, you’ll never get the results you want. The more broadly you try to apply yourself, the less likely you’ll be to fit any one position. Get crystal clear on the types of roles you want to pursue and align yourself with the most common skills and keywords being required in those roles.
2 – Target companies first
This is a major change from the way most job seekers do it – which is one of the reasons it’s so effective. Another reason is because it helps you ensure you find the right environment and the right job, instead of finding what feels like the right job, then getting into it and realizing the environment isn’t at all what works best for you.
3 – Laser-focus your resume
Start by creating a resume that targets the general career area and/or types of roles you want to pursue. Study the job descriptions to understand the most common skills and keywords you should include in this master resume. Then for each new position to which you apply, spend 15-20 minutes making minor adjustments wherever you can to better align with that particular role.
4 – Include a cover letter
For each new position, write a uniquely targeted cover letter that tells the reader why you’re a fit for that particular role or company. While it’s true that cover letters aren’t always read, that’s not always the point. And because (1) you never know if the person on the other end of your application will or won’t read your cover letter, and (2) so many job seekers don’t take the time to include a cover letter (especially not a carefully targeted one) – you can set yourself apart just by including one.
5 – Diversify your job search
This means don’t just rely on online applications. Get out there and network with other people in your field. Follow industry thought leaders and even career pros (coaches and resume writers like me) to keep yourself ahead of the game in your job search. Leverage how easy it now is to network digitally. It’s seriously the future – don’t get left behind!
6 – Get active on platforms that work for your job search
Typically this means LinkedIn, but more and more companies are branching out to platforms like Facebook and even TikTok to source candidates. So get savvy, do some research, and figure out which platforms have the most upside for your particular job search.
7 – Create your own content
I know this can feel intimidating at first, but posting your own thoughts, opinions, and intentions for the future of your career / industry / company does 3 things. (1) It allows you to be more visible to and findable by recruiters / hiring decision makers. (2) It gives you a platform on which others can engage with you (instead of you having to engage with others on their platform). (3) It gives you proof to point to in the interview process when you want to demonstrate your ideas, thought leadership, etc.
8 – Build more proof
Whether it’s social media posts like mentioned in #7 above, a collection of anecdotes / stories that help demonstrate your professional brand and skills, or a professional portfolio website, it’s important to be able to prove what you say in your resume or in an interview. Anybody can say they’re good at something, but without proof it rings pretty hollow.
9 – Focus on the value you bring
It’s all about finding a match between the value you bring to them, and the value they bring to you. That means you have to be able to sell your own value, and do it in a way that specifically speaks to the needs of the company for that role. Take an honest inventory of the skills you have that most closely align with the needs outlined in the job description, and make sure you can communicate those skills confidently.
10 – Ask more questions
Since it’s about finding a match between the value you bring to them, and the value they bring to you, that means you also have to know how to get the info you need to make an informed decision. For each new potential opportunity, figure out before hand exactly what you want to know, what your non-negotiables are, and make sure you ask about them. Not only will it help you seem more engaged, it will also help you waste less time with options you later find out don’t offer what you need.
Want more guidance in your job search?
Job searching is tough stuff! Whether you’re completely stuck or just need some strategic guidance, I’ve got you covered.
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