3 Simple Steps to Bagging the Perfect Job

When you’re looking for a job, it can be tempting to cut corners to speed things up. However, that normally ends in failure or a job you’re not happy with. If you want a good job, you have to put in the effort, whether that’s establishing a routine, updating your resume, looking in the right places, or getting ready for an interview. 

If you’re feeling stuck, hire job search experts to guide you through this process and craft the perfect resume for the perfect job. However, even with resume experts in your corner, you’ll still have a lot of work to do. Follow these three steps to maximize your chances of landing the perfect job.

1. Establish a job search routine

If you aren’t intentional about your job search, you’ll never find the right opportunity. Either that, or you’ll be desperately applying for every job you see, which is also a bad strategy. Instead, establish a routine that will help you find the right job. Here’s what an effective job search routine looks like:

• Schedule a time every day for your search. If you tell yourself you’ll spend an hour daily looking for a job but don’t designate a specific time, it becomes all too easy to procrastinate. By allocating a specific time, you fit the search into your schedule and give yourself an opportunity to prepare mentally, making it more likely that you’ll complete the task every day. Additionally, take note of which jobs you have applied for so you don’t accidentally apply again. 
• Work on establishing connections. LinkedIn is a great social media platform that allows you to connect with professionals who may help you get the job you want. A referral from a friend, a relative, or a professional connection can be immeasurably beneficial since companies greatly value the reliability and trustworthiness of their employees.
• Browse job sites such as Indeed or Zip Recruiter. Many of these platforms overlap in their job listings, but you may also find unique opportunities on each one. In addition, explore company websites and apply directly from there. Hiring managers take a special interest in applicants who use the corporate website because it shows that these candidates specifically researched the company.

Are you devoting the appropriate amount of time every day to advancing your career? If you really want a job, invest the time and effort to develop and follow a good job search routine.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

The most crucial document in your job search is your resume. This is the hiring manager’s first impression of you, and you need to ensure that it’s a good one (you won’t have a chance to make another impression). This is your opportunity to show employers your qualifications and prove them through your experience and/or education. List any certifications you have, courses you’ve taken, or promotions you’ve received that demonstrate your ability to meet the job requirements. Be as specific as possible without disclosing confidential information about another company.

Updating your resume entails more than keeping your work experience current; it’s also about tailoring your resume to each job that you apply for. Never submit a generic resume—that doesn’t work. Instead, read through the job description and note any keywords or requirements the employer mentions, then make sure those appear in your resume (if they’re applicable to you, of course). 

The keywords are usually easy to spot because they’ve been bolded, italicized, underlined, or made to stand out in some other way. Most companies nowadays run resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter out any irrelevant ones, with “relevance” defined as featuring enough of the keywords relating to the job. Yes, this means you need to update your resume every time you apply for a new job. Don’t have time to do that? Don’t worry— hire a resume expert to take care of it for you. Your personal resume expert also knows the current trends in resumes and how to word your qualifications and descriptions to catch the hiring manager’s attention. 

Your cover letter will follow the same process. Not every job will require a cover letter, but if it does, be ready to submit a job-specific cover letter that shows why you are the best candidate for the position. Even if no cover letter is required, it’s always a good idea to submit one unless the job posting specifically tells applicants not to. Going the extra mile will reflect positively on you, and your cover letter may end up being the tie-breaker between you and another candidate.

3. Prepare for interviews

On a resume, you’re hiding behind a piece of paper, but an interview is different—this is a face-to-face interaction with a potential employer. Even if you don’t get called in for an interview, always being ready for one gives you an edge over other candidates. Here are some ways you can prepare for your interviews:

• Pick out your outfit. Regardless of the job you’re applying for, you always want to dress your best for the interview. Select attire that highlights your professional image. Some companies have more formal cultures than others, but when in doubt, always err on the side of more formal. Don’t pick an outfit that reveals your physical form too much. 
• Research the company. The more you know about the company, the stronger your chances of getting the job. The hiring manager wants to know that you’re personally invested in the company. Doing your research proves just that—you show your enthusiasm, which can translate into loyalty and reliability for the employer.
• Be prepared to clarify anything on your resume. A hiring manager may want additional information on a certain job or qualification. Consider in advance what questions they may have so you can be ready to answer clearly and confidently.

If you are an introvert, it’s all the more important to devote ample time to preparing for your interview. The more comfortable you are discussing your work experience and the company, the easier the interview will be. Don’t waste time panicking—build up your confidence so you can ace it.

These steps will help you succeed in your job search. If you need additional assistance, especially with updating your resume, contact our resume experts so they can help you land that dream job!