The job market is very competitive. Each individual seeking a new position needs to be prepared to “standout.” Companies looking to hire staff today have set their bar high; experience doesn't guarantee success. It’s a tough job market out there, so follow these four hunting tips to improve your success:
1) Keep your profile information current
2) Do your homework
3) Challenge yourself and the interviewer
4) Ask yourself and the interviewer why?
Tip No. 1: Keep your profile information current. You hear repeatedly that it is important to network and be present on social media. But, it does you no good if you don’t have current and correct information available. When was the last time you updated your information? It isn’t good enough to do a resume and put online and leave it there indefinitely. If you move or change jobs, it is vital that you update your information. People don’t realize how many potential job opportunities they’ve missed out on because they weren’t keeping their profiles up to date.
Tip No. 2: Do Your Homework. Do not send out mass resumes. Select 3-5 companies you would really like to work for and target that group for employment. Gather background information; learn as much as you can about the products/services the company offers. Get the mission statement, how many employees are there, etc.; take a trip to visit each company and tour the offices before you set up an interview.
Tip No. 3: Challenge yourself and the interviewer. Be prepared to standout and nail your interview. Most people don’t tell the truth during interviews; the interviewer or the interviewee. People will say whatever they think the other person wants to hear. Each person plays a role during the job interview. That means the interviewer may oversell the job position and the interviewee kisses up to the interviewer. “Pretending and lying” doesn't help anybody; it doesn’t help the company or you. A poor job fit is miserable for everyone. Challenge yourself and the interviewer to “keep it real.”
Tip No. 4: Ask your interviewer why? When you secure an interview, be prepared to ask great questions. Don’t simply become a talking head, but get involved in a discussion. Ask the interviewer to explain how the hiring process will work. Ask him/her to describe the perfect candidate who would succeed in the role; and why? Inquire how the last person (in that position) handled the job? Listen and offer good and thoughtful answers to the interviewer questions.
Job seekers today face increased challenges and companies feel that each new hire is critical to its success. If you follow these tips it will help you stay at the top of your game.
For more information on career opposition, contact Tiffany Thompson, DaMar Staffing at Tiffany.thompson@damarstaffing.com or 317.566.8320.