If you’ve been down and out about the job offers coming your way – or maybe the lack of job offers coming your way – don’t fret!
Beginning with your job search and ending with your interview, there are lots of things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired fast – and of course getting hired for the perfect position.
Let’s break it down in chronological order and take a look at 7 things you can do to get hired fast:
Job Search Phase
#1 – Don’t Cast a Wide Net
It’s best to keep your job search as focused as possible. Apply only for positions you’re truly interested in. Do deeper, advanced searches when you’re looking for job postings online – come up with a list of keywords that are relevant to the jobs you’re looking for.
Also identify a list of companies that are attractive to you based on their culture, work environment and reputation. Visit their website career pages, try to find people who work there, and do what you can to strengthen your connection with these companies, so you can get a leg up on your competition.
#2 – Network
Sometimes landing a job comes down to two things – what you know and who you know. Professional networking through relevant industry associations and groups, and personal networking with friends, family and colleagues can do wonders for a job search. Connect with your networks virtually or in person and let them know you’re actively seeking a new work opportunity.
#3 – Work with a Staffing Firm
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for temporary work or a full-time, permanent job opportunity. An experienced and reputable staffing firm is often the key to finding a great job in less time.
Many employers throughout CT trust their hiring to staffing firms. What does this mean for job seekers? It means that when you partner with a firm, you get access to their team of recruiting pros who help you find employment with the top companies in the area.
For example, A.R. Mazzotta’s four CT offices partner with a wide range of employers throughout the state. We place over 1,000 candidates per year, and our services are available to job seekers at no cost, ever.
Application Process
# 4 – Target Your Resume
What’s a targeted resume? It’s a resume that is edited to focus on one specific position you’re applying for. Tweaking your resume for each position that you apply for does take extra time, but it helps you better showcase your qualifications as they relate to each specific job you’re applying for.
Targeting your resume can be done a few different ways. You can just update key areas like your summary or qualifications section. Or, you can do a deeper dive and edit the whole resume, so your experience and skills are as close a match as possible to the job description.
#5 – Write an Awesome Cover Letter
Many employers still require a cover letter be included with your resume and job application. It needs to grab the attention of the recipient, most often the hiring manager.
Customize each cover letter to include the following details: the job you’re applying for, how you learned about the job (this is extra important if it was through a referral), what makes you qualified for the job, and what value you can offer the employer.
The Interview
# 6 – Prepare
As with many things in life, practice makes perfect when it comes to job interviews. Take time to prepare – do background research on the company (check their website, LinkedIn and other social media channels, and do a Google news search on the company).
Anticipate what questions you’ll be asked and prepare a list of your own questions to ask.
Pick out appropriate interview clothes. Appearance does matter, and in the first few minutes of your interview you’ll making that critical first impression.
#7 – Be Genuine
At interview time, be your authentic self. Pretending to be anyone else is not only misleading to the employer but it can also lead to you accepting a job offer that you’re not truly the best fit for.
Be enthusiastic and confident when talking about yourself and answering questions. Popular interview questions might include: Tell us about yourself. What’s your greatest strength/weakness? Why should we hire you? What are your future career goals?
BONUS – Follow Up After the Interview
There’s a good chance that after your interview, days or maybe even weeks will pass before you hear back about whether or not you landed the job. That’s why it’s a good idea to follow up a few days post-interview. Send a short email thanking them for the opportunity to interview. Let them know you’re still interested in the position, and recap why you’re the best person for the job.
Need some more help getting hired fast? Connect with the A.R. Mazzotta team today.
Not quite ready to talk with us? Visit our Job Seeker Frequently Asked Questions page for insights on what a partnership with us can do for you.