If you’re on the hunt for a new job, but the search has been fruitless, don’t give up. A great job is out there, and it might be easier to attain if you follow our list of essential tips we collected from our team of resume writers and editors.
1. Understand What You Want
Ok, you want a new job, but what specifically do you want? You need to make a list of everything you would want from an ideal job, from salary and benefits to the work environment. You also need to truly understand what type of work you want to be doing. While you may not be able to check off everything on your wish list, simply gaining a clear understand of what you want can make it easier for you to find job postings that truly fit your needs.
2. Don’t Showcase Your Problems Or Desperation
While you might be stuck in a horrible work environment and are desperate to find a new job, don’t allow hiring managers or recruiters to sense this desperation. This lessens your bargaining position, salary-wise, as a hiring manager might think they can offer you a lower salary simply because they know you are very anxious to leave your current job. Likewise, it’s possible that whatever negative comments you make about your current boss will reach their ears, and that can be a disaster. Hiring managers also like it when employees can put a positive spin on a negative situation.
3. Reboot Your Resume
If you haven’t been getting calls for interviews, it’s possible that your resume is the culprit, and our team of resume writers and editors can help. We can review your resume and transform it into a dynamic, eye-catching document that attracts the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
4. Send A Handwritten Thank-You
After an interview, it’s only polite to send a letter or email thanking the hiring manager for opportunity to speak with them. If you can send a handwritten note, that’s even better, but don’t write on a piece of notebook paper and slap in an envelope. Invest in some basic professional notecards and use this for your thank-you notes. If you are not quite sure what to say, our resume writers and editors can write a standard thank you note for you and you can simply personalize this note for each hiring manager.
5. Update Your Look
Sometimes your attire can cost you a great job. While you can’t always judge a book by its cover, when the book walks into a room with holey jeans and a wrinkled shirt, you can tell that it’s not taking the interview seriously. Your interview outfits need to be crisp and professional, even if the work environment is casual. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to look like someone who takes work seriously.
6. Update Your Social Media
Most hiring managers will check your social media before hiring you or perhaps before they even call you in for an interview. While you should definitely delete any questionable posts, don’t forget about how social media can improve your chances for getting a job. For instance, keep your LinkedIn page up-to-date with news and information relative to your industry. When you post on Instagram or Facebook, be mindful of what you put out there. Be sure that all of your posts are positive, and consider joining some social media groups related to your industry. This helps keep you up-to-date, it impresses hiring managers and extends your list of business contacts.
7. Don’t Be Afraid To Negotiate
While you typically should not bring up salary and benefits during the initial job interview, when it comes time to talk about these issues, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better salary. It’s wise to do some research and find out about typical salaries and benefits for your industry and your employment level and experience.
If a hiring manager’s initial offer is too low, then you’ll have knowledge behind you to justify asking for more money. Also, don’t reveal to a hiring manager your previous salary. In some states, they aren’t even allowed to ask. If someone does ask, defer it politely and state that you’d rather not discuss compensation until you are further along in the interview process. When you do receive an offer, be sure to consider the total package and not just the salary. For instance, while one salary might be lower, the health benefits and 401K-type benefits might be better than a job with a higher salary.
8. Keep Your Current Job
If you have been laid off or fired, this obviously doesn’t apply to you. However, if you have a job, keep it until you find a better one. Unless the work environment is highly toxic, it’s usually better to stay employed, keep drawing a salary and keep your benefits. Be sure you know what the company policy is in regards to your leaving your job. Do you have to give two-week’s notice or longer?
While we can’t help you with everything on this list, our team of resume writers and editors can ensure that you have a fantastic resume, cover letter and much, much more. We even offer career coaching services, so if your job hunt has become stagnant, consider taking advantage of some of our services.
