Looking for a new job or starting a new career can be overwhelming, time consuming, and stressful. Many times, applicants will jump on job search sites without any direction, start applying, and then end up frustrated that they aren’t hearing back from the companies they are applying to. Here are a few of our tips on how to make sure your application process goes smoothly.
Know What You Want
When taking the first leap into your career, it’s pretty tempting to jump on the first opportunity you’re given. Instead of doing this, take a moment and think about what you want to do and where you want to be in a year, 5 years, or 10 years. Having a clear and concise career path ensures that you won’t spend the early parts of your career working towards a career that you don’t want or enjoy.
If you are still unclear of exactly what you want to do, utilize career aptitude tests to help you direct your efforts. On the chance that the test doesn’t aide your search efforts, know that it’s completely acceptable to wait for some real world experience to use as reference before you sit down to revisit.
Do The Research
Look into different companies within the same industry of interest with similar positions to gain the full knowledge of what the job requirements are. Though each company may have different daily routines and responsibilities, there will be a general need of similar skillsets for the position. Find out if the requirements are industry or job specific to determine if this is the place you want to be.
Find A Groove
Instead of spending time looking at one particular job, doing the research, tailoring your resume, and then submitting a resume; bulk them together and do them at once. Spend the time to peruse a few similar positions you would potentially like to fulfill. Find out what specific expertise the companies are all looking for and make the necessary (company specific) adjustments before you submit.
You will come to find that this practice will help you find a steady pace and that only small adjustments will be needed for different jobs at the separate companies.
Refine Your Resume Keywords
We cannot stress enough the importance of SEO keywords to help get your resume through ATS and onto the right hands. When finding an industry or position you want to begin your career with, take advantage of job sites and professional social media sites to help you find the right keywords to apply to your resume.
Besides finding multiple job posts within the same category and understanding what skills are required for that role, use LinkedIn to look at successful business professionals in the same field. Look for specific content they highlight on profiles or job posting and what keywords they use market themselves or the business.