Job hunting can be a difficult task for nearly any professional. However, by using the right approach when you’re looking for a new job, you can simplify the process and boost your results.
When you use the best strategy possible, you can not only increase your access to excellent opportunities but may also shorten the timeline for securing a new position. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are four steps that can make a world of difference when you’re trying to land a new job.
How to Land a New Job
1. Try to Snag a Referral
Referrals are a great way to land a new position. With a referral, the odds are higher that your application will get straight into the hands of the hiring manager instead of floating around in an applicant tracking system (ATS) first. Plus, your application may immediately be taken more seriously if the referrer has an exceptional reputation with the company.
While securing a referral may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Try reaching out to your network as a starting point to see if any of your close contacts have connections with the target business. If they aren’t directly connected to the organization but know someone who is, request an introduction and start forging that relationship. Once that connection is strong, request the referral.
2. Focus on Your Resume First
Having a great cover letter can help you land a job. However, it’s your resume that really needs to shine. While a portion of hiring managers do review cover letters, others don’t factor them into their hiring decisions. But when it comes to resumes, hiring managers always take those into account.
Make sure that your resume showcases you as an exceptional match above all else. Incorporate keywords from the job ad and target the content to the role. That way, you’ll be more likely to make it past the ATS as well as impress the hiring manager.
3. Dedicate Time to Research
Reading the job ad alone often isn’t enough if you really want to stand out from the crowd. Instead, it would be best if you dug deeper, discovering more about the hiring manager and company whenever possible.
With a bit of research, you can learn about the company’s mission, goals, values, and priorities. You can then speak directly to those points in your resume, increasing the odds that you’ll be seen as an excellent match.
4. Be Passionate
Enthusiasm goes a long way during a job hunt. When you interview for a position, let your passion for your field and excitement for the opportunity shine through. If you do, the hiring manager will likely view you in a more positive light, and you may be more likely to move forward in the hiring process.
Need Help Landing a New Job? Get in Touch!
Ultimately, the four steps above can make a substantial difference when you’re looking for a new job. If you’d like to learn more about effective job hunting techniques, the staff at TempStaff can help. Contact us today.