With the fall season upon us, it might be time to change up your job search just like the leaves change color on the trees. If you’re looking for a new role and haven’t had much success, it could have less to do with your job experience and more to do with your approach.
There are plenty of resources available to you with the dos and don’ts of successful job searching. Much of this information is useful, however, there’s a good chance that many professionals are following the same protocol.
In order to stand out from your competition, you should attempt to be a little different. It’s OK to veer off from the status quo in order to put yourself out there and be seen by a hiring manager.
I came across an article from a Forbes contributor who talks about how to “break the rules” when it comes to your job search. I thought some of the tips were very practical and wanted to share them with you along with a few of my own. Read the 3 Tips to Enhance Your Job Search below.
1. Be human.
Often times, professionals use industry jargon when drafting their resumes because they think that hiring managers are only skimming for key words. While key words are an important part of a resume, it’s perfectly acceptable to use more casual language that can get your experience across in a more understandable manner. For instance, in the past, resumes were typically written from a third person perspective. However, using “I” and the first person POV can work to your benefit – because it’s your resume!
2. Don’t limit yourself.
With the ever-evolving technology world we’re living and working in, it comes as no surprise that the majority of job seekers are applying for open positions online. However, there are opportunities out there to be discovered in other ways. You can reach out to a company that you’ve read about that’s hiring and send an email or call directly to the hiring manager and let them know you’re interested in working with them. Now, it’s important to be vigilant and not bombard the hiring manager if you find their direct contact information. However, showing that initiative to reach out to them once by phone and once by email, can be a good way to make yourself stand out.
3. Enlist the help of a recruiter.
You don’t have to be alone in your job search. Keeping track of what’s current and what’s outdated when it comes to writing resumes and interviewing can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also working full-time. Partnering up with a recruiter can be the answer for you to have some of the burden lifted off you. Recruiters know the latest and greatest trends and they know what hiring managers are looking for when hiring for a team. Be sure to meet with a recruiter in person to get a feel for their involvement and communication style. Lastly, if possible work with a recruiter that specializes in your profession. Specialized recruiters are often more efficient than generalists.
What are some other tips for switching up your job search in order to stand out? Comment below and let us know!
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