The difference between landing a job and not hearing back from a potential employer can come down to a matter of details. These factors can include not following up quickly or effectively enough, failing to perfect your telephone interviewing skills, over-reliance on the Internet, having a poor social media presence – and even disrespecting receptionists, according to ClearRock.
Job-seekers need to recognize the growing importance that social media, telephone interviews, being flexible and fitting into a company’s culture have on the selection process.
Here are 13 ways to become a better job candidate:
Follow up within 24 hours after a personal or telephone interview. A handwritten note can help create a lasting impression. Or, a “thank you” email or letter will enable you to recap how your skills, abilities, and accomplishments can help potential employers achieve their objectives. Personalize each communication and include what was discussed with each person.
Perfect your telephone interviewing skills. The first 5 minutes of a telephone interview are most important, since only about 2 out of 10 people are still under consideration after that. Convey enthusiasm with your tone of voice. Stand up and smile while talking to project confidence and likeability.
Pay attention to how you treat receptionists or assistants. Their impressions and opinions are increasingly being sought to gain an insight into your fit for the organization and how well you would get along with co-workers. Be polite and friendly and remember their names. Don’t talk on your mobile phone or be obsessed with your iPad.
Rely less on the Internet and have more face-to-face networking meetings. While job boards and posting your resume on career websites should still be part of your strategy, spend a lower overall percentage of your time on these. Personal meetings also make a better impression and will lead to more information about possible job opportunities.
Increase your job-search activity. Although it’s important to keep quality in mind in developing your contacts, there’s no question that part of this process is a numbers game. Step up the number of networking meetings, letters, and phone calls each week.
Utilize a competency-based resume. Start with a brief opening statement consisting of one or two sentences that summarize your experience, skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Next, introduce each of your core competencies with an attention-getting word or two and then describe them. Give specific examples from your experience to validate you have these skills.
Develop a compelling social media brand. Your online social media profile may be as important as your resume since employers are more frequently recruiting via social media. Build a distinct online brand that defines the areas in which you specialize and distinguishes you from others. Ensure you are using the best professional title on LinkedIn that highlights the full range of what you can do.
Position yourself as an expert in your field. Include searchable key words in your social media profile and online resume that detail the depth of your experience and skills. Employers are not only searching for employees but also for solutions to problems.
Keep your social media profile up-to-date. Give meaningful status updates, such as links to your blog, to demonstrate your subject matter expertise. Include your job search in your updates to your connections.
Join LinkedIn groups comprised of people in your profession and industry. Answering questions from group members and commenting on the latest trends is a good way to stay current and make viable connections.
Set yourself apart. Do something that will give you added recognition, such as writing an article for a trade publication or be a speaker at a conference, and share that information with prospective employers.
Convey a willingness to be flexible. Become more receptive to pursuing contract or project work, part-time employment, and being hired at a less-than-desired starting salary. Get on board first and then demonstrate what you can do.
Scour the “hidden job market.” In a good job market, only about 20 percent of available positions are ever advertised or posted. In a slower economy, fewer jobs than that are made public because employers don’t want to be inundated with resumes. Dig deeper into uncovering unadvertised positions through networking and making more direct contacts with potential employers.
