All job seekers are not the same. That is because we are humans and thankfully not robots. But for many looking for a great job (a long term career opportunity), you run into many obstacles in your job search that actually will prevent you from obtaining not only a job, but a job that you really want.
It’s not your fault.
You are a professional, not a professional job seeker. However, you have to make sure you really understand how the job search game is played today so you can maximize your efforts and hit the good job listings with precision.
What does the ultimate job seeker do that you don’t that really helps them get noticed and at least an interview?
Here are four things that are job mission critical:
- The ultimate job seeker doesn’t apply to jobs.
They spend more time researching and finding career opportunities that are exciting, long term with all kinds of future potential. What they do next is why they do so well. They treat this job like gold and put together a unique plan on the steps they need to get this job. This plan includes a targeted resume, clean application process and a strategic follow up plan to make sure the hiring authority knows they exist.KEY: Only applying to jobs that you really want and you have at least 80% of the skills required.
- The ultimate job seeker does a lot of research on the company before the interview.
They know how the company makes money, history, the leadership, the company culture and how their job will add value to the company.KEY: The interview preparation isn’t about answering canned questions anymore. It is all about letting the hiring company know you understand their business and how you will contribute to the profitability.
- The ultimate job seeker networks.
The number one source of external hires for companies is internal referrals. It has been that way since the beginning of time. Ideally, identify the companies that any of your friends, family, church members, neighbors and people you meet at events work. Research those companies for jobs you would be interested in and if you find a match, apply and then spend time “professionally” asking your insider to help refer you. You really have to meet your insider face to face or on the phone and ask them to help. If they work at larger companies, a lot of time they will receive a referral bonus. The key to all of this is making sure the job you are applying to is a match for your skills and the person referring them understands that so they feel good putting their reputation on the line.KEY: The more people you can meet during a job search, the better chance you have of finding a company and job that you never knew existed.
- The ultimate job seeker sends a hand written thank you note and email after an interview.
It is by far the best way to let an employer know you want to work for them and you care. It’s that simple. If I have a good interview and don’t hear a peep from the job seekers afterwards, it does concern me because I question if they are excited about the job.KEY: Simple follow up is HUGE.
None of you are professional job seekers so that is why the process is somewhat challenging depending on who is giving you advice. The ultimate job seeker sets their site on the best targets only and then does all the research and networking necessary to give them the best chance of success.