Application Advice – 4 Tips for a Job Search
Job searches can be daunting, as they tend to require a lot of time and energy. Here are four tips to help you be more efficient and effective when filling out applications during a job hunt.
1. Research companies before you apply
If you’re sending out as many resumes and cover letters as possible, you may want to re-think your strategy. Take some time to decide what type of company, culture, and role fit with your professional and personal goals. You may not have the luxury of searching for your dream job indefinitely, but you should use some discretion when applying.
Research local companies and keep a list of the ones that spark your interest. Corporate websites typically have information for prospective employees where you can learn about what it would be like to work there. Take note of the company’s mission and identity, including what you like and don’t like about the organization.
Remember, quality trumps quantity.
Review your list and figure out which companies are worth pursuing. Even if an open position isn’t currently available in a desirable company, you should still create a relationship if possible. Many companies will allow you to upload your resume to their database or sign up to receive alerts when a new job becomes available. Take advantage of these tools, as hiring managers sometimes search their database for resume keywords among applicants that are already in the system.
2. Networking is key!
As is the case with nearly everything in life, networking is critical to the job search process. An applicant that has a personal connection at the hiring company will almost always be given more consideration than an unknown applicant.
Connections build your credibility as a potential employee.
Use LinkedIn to see if anyone in your network is employed at the organization where you’re applying. You can also ask to be introduced to someone in your connection’s network if you find a second-degree company match. In either case, send a brief, polite e-mail describing your desire to learn more about the organization. If you feel it’s appropriate, ask for a personal reference after making initial contact.
3. Write a strong objective
Be extremely clear with your objective to convey to a potential employer exactly what you’re looking for in the position. Vague objectives won’t pull in the reader’s attention, causing your resume to quickly be tossed aside.
You should list a specific job title in the objective. Some hiring managers even like to see the name of their organization listed in your objective. Just be sure that you only apply to jobs that match your skill-set, as you shouldn’t apply to ten different positions within the same company unless you’re truly qualified for them. Hiring managers might question the validity of your resume if you apply to multiple positions, each with a very different objective.
4. Stay connected even if you don’t get the job
If you were invited to interview in person but didn’t receive a job offer, there’s a chance that you might be a good fit for the company. Human Resources Director at McDonald’s Corporation, Alan Tecktiel says, “You should consider keeping lines of communication open even when you don’t get the job.”
He continues, “if your interviews went well and you see yourself as a good fit within the company, ask if you can e-mail your HR and hiring manager contacts in a few months if another relevant opportunity opens up.”
This follow-up contact is best done via e-mail and should be kept brief and to the point. You might even ask to connect via LinkedIn – just be sure to do so within a few days after the interview process is complete!
By: Gale Bowman
12-09-2009
After graduating from Notre Dame, Gale realized that young professionals need a source of reliable information as they face “real world” challenges. Gale manages WhatCollegeForgot.com and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
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