Common Job Search Questions (and Answers) Part 1
Discover the answers to some of the most common job search questions and increase your readiness and confidence during your job search.
Hello everyone,
Welcome to another newsletter issue, where I'll answer some of the most common questions we received during the last two weeks. I hope the information and advice in this newsletter will be helpful to you in your job search journey.
Before we get into the specific questions, I want to remind you that finding the right job is not always an easy or straightforward process. It may take time, effort, and patience, but staying motivated and keeping an open mind is essential.
Don't be afraid to try new things or explore different career paths - you never know what opportunities may come your way. Remember, every rejection or setback is a chance to learn and grow and that the right job is waiting for you out there. I am sure of it!
I hope you will find this newsletter useful, and as always, I encourage you to keep sending me your questions and feedback as they are immensely important to me, and a genuine appreciation of this newsletter can make all the effort worthwhile.
Good luck with your job search!
Q: How can I make my resume and cover letter stand out to potential employers?
Making sure your resume and cover letter stand out to potential employers is no small feat. One way to do this is to highlight any accomplishments or awards you may have achieved throughout your career, along with any skills and experience relevant to the job you're applying for. Whenever possible, use specific examples and quantify your achievements in order to get the attention of a hiring manager.
Every hiring manager will focus on what you can do and the value you'd bring to their company - not whether you invested in buying a fancy template or not. Accomplishments are key here; turn generic phrases like, "Experience with sales," into detailed metrics, such as "Exceeded my sales quota by 160%, reaching a total of $1.6 million." Numbers stick out and display tangible proof of success, something every potential employer craves!
Perfecting a cover letter may be the advice many career coaches give, but the truth of the matter is that hardly anyone will bother to read it. Fortunately, you don't have to pay for a template to craft one. Just use Google to find plenty of free examples. What really matters is your resume - how it looks and, more importantly, what's contained therein!
Additionally, proofreading for spelling and grammar errors is essential for ensuring your documents make the right impression when they land on a recruiter's desk.
Q: What common mistakes do job seekers make during the job search process, and how can I avoid them?
Some common mistakes that job seekers make during the job search process include not tailoring their resumes and cover letters to the specific jobs they are applying for, not following up with employers after an interview, and not networking effectively.
Before you start stuffing all the phrases from job descriptions into your resume and calling it a day, let's hold on for a second.
The main thing to keep in mind when customizing your resume for a particular role is to make sure you hit the mark on the job's key requirements. Think about what the employer is looking for - chances are, if they specify experience using Adobe Photoshop, they really want someone with prior knowledge of that software program.
You don't want them to look over your resume and say, "Oh, they have some 'graphic software' experience - I'm not sure if that includes Adobe Photoshop or not." So, make sure you spend time on thinking about and including specific keywords related to your area of expertise because you never know who will be going through your resume before deciding whether to call you for an interview or not.
Q: Are there any specific strategies or techniques you can recommend for finding job openings not advertised publicly?
One strategy for finding job openings not advertised publicly is to network, network, and network. That is how important it is to network with people in your industry or companies you are interested in working for. You can also reach out to recruiters or staffing agencies, as they may have access to job openings not listed on job boards.
Another approach is to try contacting the company directly, even if they don't have any advertised openings - you never know if they are considering hiring for a new position now or in the future. It's also a good idea to regularly check the websites of companies you are interested in working for, as they may post new job openings there.
Q: How can I effectively follow up with employers after submitting my application or after an interview?
To effectively follow up with employers after submitting your application, it's a good idea to send a brief email thanking them for considering your application and expressing your continued interest in the position.
If you don't hear back after a week, you can try following up again with another email or phone call to inquire about the status of your application. After an interview, it's a good idea to send a thank you note or email to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours of the interview. Of course, this is not necessary, but it could give you several “plus points”. And it is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and highlight any qualifications or experiences you may have forgotten to mention during the interview.
Q: In what ways can I improve my chances of getting a job offer after an interview?
You can improve your chances of getting a job offer after an interview in several ways. One way is to prepare thoroughly for the interview by researching about the company and the job role and practicing common interview questions.
It's also essential to make a good impression by dressing appropriately, arriving on time, and demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm during the interview. Another way to increase your chances of getting a job offer is to follow up with the employer after the interview to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.
Q: Are there any resources or tools you can recommend for job seekers to use during their search?
There are many resources and tools that can be helpful for job seekers during their search. Some popular job search websites include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. You can also find job openings and career resources on the websites of specific companies or industries you are interested in.
Additionally, many professional organizations and associations offer their members job boards or career resources. Finally, don't forget to tap into your personal and professional network - your friends, family, and colleagues may have connections or know of job openings that could fit you well.
Of course, the tool I recommend is my book Job Search Guide.
Last Thoughts
I hope this newsletter has been helpful to you on your job search journey and that you feel better equipped to tackle some of the common challenges and questions that come up during the process.
Questions and Answers
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