Exposing the Closely Guarded Secrets of the Job Hunt

Finding a job in a highly competitive market is tough. Everyone is trying to land the perfect job, and when they do, it means someone else failed—don’t let that be you! 

Of course, you need a stellar resume and cover letter, but there’s more to it. Hiring managers look for specifics few people know about, and the lack of this knowledge can cost you the job. The good news is that if you hire a career coach, you will have unlimited access to these secrets. 

Here’s a brief overview of the most important secrets.

Quality and quantity

It’s all about quality over quantity, right? Well, that’s not entirely true during the job hunt. With hundreds of other candidates applying for the same jobs as you, rejection is common and even to be expected, no matter how qualified you are. So, don’t just apply for one job and sit back to wait for a response because you may never get one. 

Instead, send multiple applications at the same time. This is how quality comes into play here: Only apply for jobs you actually want to do. If you apply for just any job, you’ll likely end up with one you don’t really want. And that’s if you manage to land a job at all—if you’re sending applications left and right, you’re probably submitting a generic resume, and that’s unlikely to score you any wins. In short, the key is to apply for lots of suitable jobs you truly want. 

Searching and connecting

During your job hunt, you may browse job sites for hours trying to find the right opportunity. Sure, go ahead and search job sites such as Indeed and Zip Recruiter, but don’t stop there. Developing your network can be just as important. In the modern age, the most effective networking tool is generally LinkedIn, which allows you to connect easily with other professionals in your field. 

Building professional connections will help you find the right job, so take the initiative and connect with people who can help you land the job you want. Be thoughtful and respectful in your interactions, making sure to offer help in return.

Updating and tailoring

One of the most crucial elements of the job hunt is your cover letter and resume. These two documents form the employer’s first impression of you. To gain a competitive edge, constantly update them, even when you’re not actively looking for a job. Try refreshing your resume every month or so—this will ensure it’s always up to date. This process involves including any new skills, job descriptions, and additional education. You want the most up-to-date information on your resume and cover letter.

Importantly, you also need to tailor your resume and cover letter to fit the specific job you’re applying for. It certainly requires more work to customize your resume for every application, but a generic resume will almost never land you a job—if it does, it won’t be a good one. 

Customization entails reading the job description carefully and noting any keywords or requirements the employer has listed. Keywords should be easy to identify because they generally stand out in some way, whether because they’re bolded, italicized, underlined, in all caps, or in bullet points. Pick all the keywords that apply to you and sprinkle them throughout your resume. If you don’t, you may not get the job because your resume may never even make it to the hiring manager’s desk. Nowadays, it’s common for companies to use applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to scan resumes and filter them based on keyword usage, so if you don’t have the right keywords, you won’t get past these programs.

You also need to tailor your cover letter to match your resume. Your cover letter essentially serves as an introduction to your resume, giving you a chance to speak more freely to the hiring manager. Offer them a sneak peek by highlighting the qualifications that match their requirements and demonstrating why you’re an excellent candidate for the position. You can present a perfectly tailored resume, but if your cover letter is generic, it may hurt your chances. Both need to be tailored for each job. While many companies don’t require cover letters, it’s still best to send one unless they specifically ask you not to. It may just provide that one little extra push that lifts you above the other candidates. Need help tailoring your cover letter and resume? Consult a resume expert for assistance.  

Hiring managers look for specific qualifications when trying to fill a position. They don’t always divulge their secrets because that makes it easier to weed out candidates who don’t meet their requirements. Now that you’re in the know, you have a better chance of getting hired. Need help tailoring your resume to get ahead of the competition? Reach out to our professional resume writers for assistance.