A Beginners Guide to Job Hunting

After applying for hundreds of jobs that you was qualified for, receiving no responses & two rejection letters you feel unemployable. How does one deal with the:

a.  Feeling of disappointment?

b.  The lack of support?  

c. The age discrimination?

d. The lack of communication?

I find it difficult to believe in an electronic age that it is so difficult or overwhelming for potential employers to say thank you but no thank you especially since you have to spend hours researching them, filling out their applications, registering at their web site.

You’ve got a degree, created the perfect resume and established a flawless network of connections, but it takes a lot more than these things to gain the attention of employers. Today, more than ever before, competition is fierce in the entry-level job market. As an entry-level job seeker, you’ve got to go above and beyond to outshine other job applicants.

There’s no magic formula for catching the attention of every employer, but there are several ways you can gain an edge during your job search.

There are 3 parts to a job application:

1)  Application Letter.

2)  Resume.

3) The Job Interview.
 

The Application Letter

Your application letter is equally important as, if not more than your resume. The whole purpose of the application letter is to get that job interview. So, what do you put in the letter:

1)  You sell or brand yourself by telling a little bit about yourself and mentioning some of the skills. 

2)  Show some interest in the company you are applying to. I always do some research, background check, and try to figure out future plans of the company and their competition. In the letter I praise them a little bit (why it would be awesome to work for them) and also give them a hint where/how you would fit in those future plans.

3) You ask for that job interview. Sometimes it works if you put some time constraints (pressure points) to make them to take action (because people are busy all the time and they forget). So, let's say try to find out the name of the HR officer or manager of the department you're applying to.

Resume
 

Resume is a key or you can say a mirror that gonaa present yourself to future employer.

1)  A resume headline (also known as a resume title) is a brief phrase that highlights your value as a candidate. Located at the top of your resume, a headline allows a hiring manager to see quickly and concisely what makes you the right person for the job.

2)  If you include an objective on your resume, it's important to tailor your resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

3) The Career Summary section of a resume is an optional customized section of a resume that lists key achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.

4)  The experience section of your resume includes your employment history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

5)  In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. Also include professional development coursework and certifications.

6)  The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. Include skills that are relevant to the position / career field that you are interested in i.e. computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills.

The Job Interview:

Now you got the job interview, and now what?

Well, everything depends on who they are looking for of course, and there are a couple of things you can do to try to steer the conversation to your favor. Too many applicants walk into an interview without knowing as much as they should about the industry, the company and its problems. 

1) Punctuality. Do whatever it takes to arrive a few minutes early. If necessary, drive to the company the night before and time yourself. Allow extra time for traffic, parking.

2)  Dress. Your clothing should be appropriate for the position you're seeking. Attire must fit well within the office and be immaculate. If you don't know what the typical attire at the company is, call and ask! Shoes should be polished; pants/skirts and shirts pressed.

3)  Grooming. Clean hair and fingernails are essential. Hair should be styled conservatively. Avoid excessive make-up, jewelry or cologne.

4) Handshake. A firm handshake is appropriate and projects confidence. Make eye contact when you shake.

5)  Body language. Send the right message by standing straight, moving confidently, and sitting slightly forward in your chair.

6) Mindset: Step into the meeting as if you already are one of them. You have already set the table with your letter. Now your posture and attitude (not arrogance) has to be congruent with your letter. Just relax and have fun with it!

7)  Ask questions: Normally everybody expects only for the hiring company to ask the questions. Most applicants see these meetings as a one-sided interrogation session. Now, here is where your research is going to pay off: 

a. When preparing for the meeting, write down YOUR questions in a notebook.

b. Bring this notebook and pencil to the meeting. 

c. When they are talking, take notes, and maybe put down some more questions. 

d. Now, depending on how the meeting went so far, turn the table around (be casual and subtle about it), and shoot off your questions.

8) Try not to focus on payments, salary and stuff like that in the beginning but more about the requirements of the job, company career path, the work environment and the other people you may be working with, some challenges you think they may have, their position and competition in the market place, their future plans, etc

First you have to be the person in that letter and that you are the real deal. You have to be like-able, people don't hire other people they don't like and my not fit in the culture of the company. You have to show them through your questions that you are trying to find out if you like them too. Give them something to think about. Be creative about it, brand yourself, show interest in their company and their problems. Your professional skills are already in your resume. By Relaxing and having fun with it, your soft skills and personality will shine through and may get you ahead of your competition!

9) Find out as much as you can about the position, the company and its needs, so you can show how your background meets those needs. Telephone the receptionist and ask for copies of company brochures. Be friendly and professional on the phone and when you go pick up those brochures. (A receptionist who takes a liking to you can be one of your most important allies in getting a job.) Whenever possible, get a copy of the company's annual report. Research the company at your local library and on the Internet.

10) Get the big picture. Visualize the entire interview, from start to finish. See yourself as performing with style and confidence. How will the interview end? Will you get a job offer or be called back for a second interview? How much salary do you want? What kind of benefits? The research you did in step 1 will give you an idea of what to expect. Be ready for any eventuality.

Follow up with a phone call or a letter, and try to get a second interview if necessary. If possible, try to get that second interview at the end of the meeting.

Wish you all the best & keep doing great.

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