This week, I will give you general hints that will expedite your job search process.
1. Never underestimate the importance of networking (including face-to-face networking and social media networking):
You should never underestimate the importance of networking, including face-to-face networking and social media networking. Many people get job offers by going to job fairs and information sessions. LinkedIn is a great tool for job searching as well. Once, I got a job offer from a company through LinkedIn. Thus, you should always use social media and face-to-face networking.
2. Know when the companies you are targeting recruit:
You should know when your target companies are recruiting, because some companies recruit year-round and some recruit seasonally. For example, accounting firms usually recruit more people during fall because it is their busy season so they need more staff. Retail companies recruit more during holiday season.
3. Make sure your resume is only one page long unless you are a PhD or someone with at least eight to nine years’ work experience:
Make sure your resume is only one page long unless you are a PhD or someone with at least eight to nine years of experience, because, recruiters and hiring managers have short attention spans. If your resume is longer than one page, they may get lost in details and put your resume aside even if you are a perfect candidate for the position.
4. Be relevant to the company you are interviewing with.
Always be relevant to the company you are interviewing with. Don’t forget that your background has to match the needs of the company you are interviewing with, and that you should not brag about yourself or try to oversell yourself in any interview. Most of us generally tend to think that any of our accomplishments is valuable. It is valuable for you, but it may not always be valuable for others.
5. Learn what employers would like to hear from you in interviews and answer accordingly.
During interviews, employers do not always want to learn about you but they want to learn about what you are going to bring to the table. I noticed that most people talk about what they want to do in their careers and how they would like to proceed and what they want to learn, but no one states what they are actually bringing to the company. You should also emphasize what values you are going to bring to the organization and not just talk about your career goals and interests.
