Whether you want to look for your very first job, change your career or re-enter the professional world after a long absence, finding a job requires two main steps. The first is to establish your goals (and act accordingly to achieve them), the second to use the most innovative tools there are to access the job market. Assuming you have defined your career goals and are looking for a job right now, here are several ways to succeed.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Show Your Skills
Step 1. Review your resume
Before you start looking for a job, make sure your resume is as complete and up-to-date as possible. This document is important because it gives you an overview of who you are, where you come from and what you can offer. Here are some tips to consider:
- Never make up information on a resume; this could backfire on you later.
- Read a variety of recent and relevant vacancies. Use similar language to describe your skills and achievements on the resume.
- Use active verbs. When describing the duties you did at the previous job, make sure that the sentences are as concise and dynamic as possible.
- Correct. Review the resume several times for grammatical or spelling errors. Sometimes, a simple typo could negatively impact your ability to be called for an interview, so pay special attention to what you write. Also ask a couple of people to check it out.
- The document format must be classic and clean. The appearance of the resume is almost as important as the content. Use a plain font (such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Bevan), black ink on white or ivory paper, and wide margins (about 2.5cm on each side). Avoid bold or italics. Make sure your name and contact details are clear and in a prominent place.
Step 2. Prepare for the job interview
Develop a custom elevator pitch. Many structured interviews, especially those at large companies, are introduced by phrases such as: "Tell me about yourself". The interviewer doesn't want to hear anecdotes about college or childhood. It's a question related to relevant work and experiences. And there is a right answer. In about two minutes, the interviewer wants to understand your background, your successes, why you want to work in this company and what your future goals are.
- Don't dwell on it. This presentation should not last more than thirty seconds to two minutes. Memorize the main points so you don't stammer when they ask you to talk about yourself. You don't even have to mechanically repeat a speech as if you were a robot, the important thing is to remember the structure. Learn to improvise the rest according to your interlocutor. Practice trying the elevator pitch out loud with someone who can give you suggestions.
- The elevator pitch is also useful when networking at a party or any other place where you come into contact with a group of strangers who want to get to know you better. In such a situation, the presentation should not exceed thirty seconds, so in theory it should be shorter than that of a job interview.
Step 3. Make a list of professional skills you would like to acquire
Your employer will be interested in what you intend to do to improve as an employee. Think about the skills that make you particularly competent for the position you have chosen. Find upcoming books and lectures that would significantly improve your skills. During the interview, explain to the employer that you are reading and learning, and that you would like to continue to do so. Here is a list of some of the most important and sought after job skills by businesses. A job seeker absolutely needs to have them to make sure they get the job they want and, above all, keep it tight.
- Logical thinking and information management. Most businesses value the ability to manage and organize information to generate effective solutions. Indeed, it is one of the most important skills they seek. They appreciate being able to find sensible solutions to investment proposals or internal activities.
- Technological skills. Most companies are looking for people who have computer skills, know how to use different types of machines and office equipment, be it a computer, a multifunction copier or a scanner. This does not mean that employers need employees with a degree in the technology sector - knowing the basic principles of the technology in use is sufficient.
- Effective communication. Employers generally appreciate and hire people who are able to efficiently express their thoughts in the form of oral and written communication. Those who can get a good job easily usually know how to speak and write well.
- Good interpersonal skills. Since the work environment is made up of different types of personalities and employees who have varied backgrounds, it is essential to have the ability to communicate and work with people who have followed various trajectories in life.
Part 2 of 4: Doing Homework
Step 1. Prepare for a behavioral interview
They may ask you to describe any problems you have encountered in the past and how you have handled them. Alternatively, they will show you a hypothetical situation and ask you what you would do. They may also ask you questions aimed at obtaining negative information, such as talking about a weakness or mistakes you made. In essence, they want to understand how you would act in the face of obstacles if you took the position you applied for. Try to provide honest and detailed examples from your past, even if they are mere conjectures (example: "I would contact the client directly. I am saying this based on a past experience. I found myself in a similar situation. customer was very happy to get a phone call from the supervisor "). You may find yourself listing anecdotes or facts. If so, remember that you need to be able to tell a compelling story during an interview like this. Here are some questions they might ask you:
- "Describe a time when you were forced to work with someone you didn't like."
- "Tell me about a time when you had to stick to a decision you made, even though your colleagues didn't agree with that choice."
- “Have you ever done anything particularly innovative that has had a substantial impact on the workplace? Give us an example”.
- "How would you deal with an employee who is perpetually late?".
Step 2. Learn about the company.
It is not enough to do an internet search, memorize the mission and finish it there. Remember that you are competing with many other candidates, and vacancies are few, perhaps only one. You may not be able to change your natural skills or the skills you bring to work, but you can always change your work ethic. Do more than anyone else by doing research on the company (s) you would like to be hired at. Do it as if your life depended on it.
If it's a retail chain, visit a few stores, observe customers, and perhaps strike up a few conversations. Talk to the employees present: try to understand what they think about the job, how long they have been there and what you can do to increase your chances of being chosen. Get familiar with the history of the company. Who founded it? Where is it? Who runs it now? Be creative
Part 3 of 4: Probe the Ground
Step 1. Organize informational interviews to gather information
You can set up meetings of this type by inviting a competent acquaintance or a professional in the sector to lunch or have a coffee. Ask him questions without expecting to be hired. These dates are ideal for networking, expanding your contact list, getting tips and tricks from real experts.
- Prepare many questions: "What would a typical day be like?", "What are the advantages of this job?", "What would he have done differently?". These are all good options. Keep an eye on your watch to avoid overstepping the time allotted to you.
- At the end of the meeting, politely ask him to give you additional business contacts. If you hit him, he might even hire you or recommend you to someone who has the power to do so.
Step 2. Network
The best companies to work for tend to rely heavily on recommendations from their employees. Make a list of all your friends, relatives and acquaintances. Get in touch with them individually, ask if they are aware of any vacancies they could put in a good word for. Don't be too humble or apologize all the time. Make it clear what you are looking for, but also remember to be flexible and open to suggestions. This is not the best time to be demanding. A contact can cross the threshold, and you can negotiate your salary or switch positions once you've gained experience and confirmed your reputation.
- Keep in touch with any people who might be able to help you. The purpose of this move is twofold. First, you can ask for suggestions or be put in touch with someone; secondly, everyone will remember your existence (of course, they should have a good opinion of you, otherwise you shouldn't include them in the list at all). If they talk to an employer and they know they are looking for new employees, they will think of you right away, without hesitation. Send a copy of the updated resume to all your contacts.
- As with dating, keep in mind that "weak" personal connections are often the best way to find a new job because they expand your network beyond the ones you already have. You probably know everything about the company where your sister works, and if they hire people, you also know that you will. However, what about your sister's friend's feat? Don't be afraid to ask the friend of a distant friend or acquaintance you never see - they could help you with your job search.
Step 3. Volunteer
If you're not into it already, start volunteering for an organization that focuses on ideals you are passionate about. At first, your homework may be boring or mundane. However, if you are consistent and show your commitment, you will be assigned more responsibilities. Not only will you help others, you will enrich the network of contacts. Emphasize this experience on the resume, because companies that treat their employees well tend to prefer candidates who in one way or another are involved in the community.
- Internships can fall into this category, or they might even be paid. An internship is ideal for crossing the threshold. In fact, many businesses prefer to hire internally. Despite being well past 20 or college days, being willing to work without receiving big pay or for free shows a company that you take employment, skills acquisition and a possible career seriously. future.
- Believe it or not, volunteer and internship positions can lead to real work. In today's economy, many businesses rely on internships because they are an economically effective means of examining possible future employees. The reason is simple: so many companies don't have the money or the resources to take a leap in the dark and offer a job to someone who hasn't been tested. If you work hard, demonstrate your problem solving skills, and keep your head held high, the value you bring to the business may be too great to be discarded.
Step 4. Apply directly
Look for the contact details of a specific person who can help you (usually, a human resources employee or the hiring manager of a business or organization that interests you). Call her and ask if they are hiring during this time. However, don't be discouraged if you don't. Find out about their preferred qualifications or any internship or internship programs. Ask her if you can send her the curriculum by explaining the field of your interest. If you would accept a job on a lower level and are willing to start at the bottom and then get a promotion, indicate it.
- After each phone call, think about what went wrong and what mistakes you made. You could write some standard answers on your skills list so that you can express yourself fluently. You may need to receive further training to enter the industry you are interested in. All of this doesn't mean that you can't get a good job, just that you need to deepen your preparation for it.
- Visit the firm or business in person. You may have heard the phrase "People don't hire resumes, they hire other people." Don't underestimate the value of interpersonal relationships. Introduce yourself to the company where you think you want to work; bring your resume with you and ask to speak to your HR manager to find out more about career opportunities. If you make a good impression on this manager, you will be halfway there: he will connect your face to the resume, and he will get a much more solid idea about your predisposition, consistency and preparation. Companies do not always hire the most suitable professional for the job, often the person who has a positive impact from a human point of view is chosen.
Part 4 of 4: Changing Your Mindset
Step 1. Change your attitude
When you call or go to interviews, there is a big difference between thinking “I'm looking for a job” and “I'm here to do the work you need and improve the business”. If you are going to be hired, you expect the employer to make you an offer; to get it, you have to work hard to make a good impression. That's right, it is important to impress the interviewer, but, above all, it is essential to demonstrate your desire to be chosen and the usefulness of your skills. Everything you write and say should be silently supported by the statement "I am here to improve the business, and I know how to do it".
Step 2. Settle in a place
If you've moved a lot in the past few years, be prepared to offer a good reason why you did. If not, you need to make sense of why you want to establish yourself in the area where the company is located. A company has no intention of hiring a person wishing to live as a nomad.
Be prepared to define why you are in that place, how long you intend to stay and why. Offer specific reasons, such as "This country has the best school system in the entire continent and my daughter wants to find a cure for cancer" or "I was drawn to this area because it is cutting edge and innovative in the industry, and I want to be part of it. ". The more details, names and explanations you offer, the better
Step 3. Adapt the job to your skills, avoid doing the opposite
Many go looking for a job, and only afterwards try to understand how they can make small changes to the way they present their skills and experiences to adapt to the professional offer. Instead, try something different. Do not follow a general to particular approach, prefer one that goes from the particular to the general.
- Make a list of all your skills, determine which companies and fields are most in need of them (if necessary, ask around for suggestions) and find companies that would benefit from your skills and experience. You may realize that a career that wasn't even on your radar at the beginning can actually give you a lot of satisfaction and rewards.
- It is important that the nature of the job fits your personality and salary requirements, otherwise you will have wasted a lot of time looking for a job you hate. Getting up every morning will be a nightmare. Consequently, be realistic about your expectations, but be open to the possibilities you can explore.
- Don't panic, and don't hold back just because you don't have 100% of the features described in the job offer. This description certainly lists the traits an ideal candidate would have, and maybe they are different skills than you have. You should certainly choose professional offerings that best suit your abilities, but sometimes the best thing you can do is sell the skills you have by planning to learn and nurture the others.
Advice
- Tailor your resume to specific job postings. Eliminate items that have nothing to do with the skills required for a certain job.
- Dress right. When you have to go to an interview, dress like it's your first day at work. Choose appropriate clothing to make a favorable impression during the meeting.
- Believe in yourself, be sure.
- Do not neglect the profiles you have opened on social networks. It is quite common for employers to investigate Facebook and other such sites. They should be free of photos and gory details.
- Research should be considered as a full-time job. Before being hired, this is your job. You self-hire as a salesperson and marketing expert to sell your product, that is, you.
- An alternative is to create your own business or other type of initiative. In that case, your purpose is not so much to find and get a job, but to create one. However, entrepreneurs often start with a classic job. It is their source of income until the profession they prefer becomes stable.
- Be prepared for tough questions like, "What are your earnings expectations?" or "Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?". These questions can cause awkward silences during interviews, and potential employers can sift through your mental agility with personal thoughts.
- Contact employment agencies. Sometimes they charge you a good percentage of your salary for their service, but they can help you find an interesting job. This way, you can improve your resume. Never go to just one agency. Choose as many as possible. It's easy, and your chances increase a lot. Do a Google search indicating the name of the region or country where you live.
- While not a social animal, act as if you are.
- Remember that you generally have to work hard to ascend. For example, if you want to open a clothing store, first work for a company that makes or sells these products.
- The most effective way to get a job is to stop complaining about the lack of vacancies. Get up off the couch and go knock on several doors with your resume in hand. If you do it all day, every day, you will find yourself in the position to choose the job that suits you because you will not miss the offers. This tactic works regardless of what economic situation you are in. Enterprising and career-making people don't sit idle, and they don't happen by chance. Don't wait for someone to go find you or hire you because they feel sorry for you.
- Your resume (or CV) represents you, so work hard to prepare it. You never know: even a small project you did in college or the courses you took could give you a competitive advantage.
- You need to know what job you are interested in.
- Introducing yourself personally doesn't always work. In big cities, it may happen that they do not let you in without an appointment; if in doubt, contact the company before going there.
- As you answer the questions, be sure of yourself.
- Know your strengths. If you don't have the right words to describe what you are good at or what energizes you, you should think about yourself, take tests, or read books. Even a career coach can help you spot them. Having accurate and concise descriptions of your best qualities will help you during any interview, and will help you to act appropriately in your job search: sector, type of career, etc.
- Prepare two or three interesting stories to tell at the interview. They should emphasize your accomplishments and your ability to overcome specific business or job challenges. When you can, answer a difficult question using these very short stories. Use the STAR technique if possible and feasible. It will help you to be confident during any meeting and in front of (almost) any question.
