GET HIRED: MASTERING THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS The

Get Hired: Mastering the Job Search ProcessWorkplace Guidance |1

The Comprehensive Guide

GET HIRED: MASTERING THE JOB

SEARCH PROCESS


Searching for your dream job is not usually all smooth sailing, and anybody in the midst of it knows this all too well. The process of looking for work can be stressful at the very least. If you don’t have the proper tools and guidance, the job search process has the potential to leave you scarred for the rest of your professional life. Okay, okay, maybe it’s not that serious, but there are some things that you can do to ease the burden of the various struggles and obstacles of job-searching. From advice on how to bolster your resume to tips for a successful interview, you won’t want to miss out on the helpful information highlighted in this guide.

IntroductionGuide



Introduction

How to Set Your Resume Apart

The Dreaded but Integral Cover Letter

Finding The Right Fit For You in Your Job Search

Nailing the First Interview

Nailing the Follow-Up

The Job Offer: Negotiating for Your Best Interests

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One of the most important parts—and first steps—in landing the job you love is your resume. Don’t think of it as just a piece of paper that highlights your work history. Your resume is your lifeline, and although it should loosely follow a certain set of business standards, it can be tweaked to your liking in order to set you apart from other candidates.

Generally, a solid resume will adhere to certain standards. It should be no more than one page in length and should focus on clarity in terms of the information you are presenting. Hiring managers will likely spend only a couple of seconds glancing over your resume, so long sentences and fluffy writing harm your chances of snagging a second glance.

With that being said, don’t make your resume look like every other one that comes across a hiring manager’s desk. There are ways in which you can stick to the standards of resume protocol while putting your own spin on it to make it stand out. Here are a few things to consider for the 21st century resume.

Your Resume ApartHow to Set


Lose the Objective and Start With a Brief Summary.The first (and often only) thing a hiring manager will read in full is the statements or sentences at the very top. The objective was once a significant part of the resume, but today has become obsolete. Since managers are more concerned with what you can bring to their companies, it doesn’t make sense to describe what it is that you, the candidate, are looking for. Instead, type up three to four sentences that act as an outline of your work history, highlighting years of experience and notable achievements. Create an engaging header that describes your expertise.


Play Around With the Design. Your aim is to catch the eye of the hiring manager, coaxing him or her to spend a few extra seconds browsing your resume. The traditional black-and-white sections and standard layout become repetitive. Consider using a splash of color here and there to mix things up. But be careful – too much color or unusual formatting can be counterproductive or off-putting. Choose one highlight color to implement throughout the resume, using it only for section headers, for example. You can also use a more modern font than the typical Times New Roman or Arial.

Eliminate Irrelevant Material.Most hiring managers do not care to know about the job you had in high school (unless you are just out of high school with minimal job experience). Since your resume should not be more than one page in length, save yourself some space and remove that fast-food position you held as a sophomore. Only include work experience that relates to the position in which you’re interested. This also goes for your achievements – be sure that the accomplishments you list under this section are relevant to the position. Prom queen, for example, should not make an appearance on your resume.

Use Action Words.Using passive voice in your resume is wordy and unprofessional. Always aim to speak in the active voice, utilizing key action words to describe accomplishments in the workplace. For example, instead of saying “Sales and growth were driven upwards by 23 percent,” you can say “I drove sales and growth by 23 percent.” The emphasis is now placed on your actions, which will be received more clearly by the hiring manager. You can find a list of action words to use by doing a quick internet search.

Avoid Personal or Private Matters.Your resume should be a formal introduction to who you are as an employee, not as a person. While your character and personality are important parts of your workplace persona, your resume is not the place to show it. Avoid going into any detail about your personal life or habits, such as your religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political affiliations. These things are not necessary in the decision to hire you, and may unwittingly sway or influence the hiring manager.

Always Put Your Contact Information at the Top.Make it as easy as possible for the hiring manager to get in touch with you. As mentioned, he or she might come across hundreds of resumes per week. If your phone number and email are clearly marked at the top of the page, the hiring manager will not have to spend excess time searching for them. They will be more inclined to reach out to you before continuing to browse through the others.


but Integral Cover LetterThe Dreaded

Ah, the dreaded cover letter, the hangnail of the job-search process. You’re ready to go, your resume is looking sharp, you’ve got a great feeling – but wait, you need a cover letter, too? Ugh! Although this piece of paper is hated by most everyone, it is nonetheless an integral part of the job search process.


Why Cover Letters Are ImportantIf your cover letter feels redundant or seems like a repeat of your resume, you’re probably not writing it correctly. Hiring managers look at your cover letter to gain insight or information that they did not learn from your resume. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them with an expansion of key experiences and achievements that were not fully explained in your resume.

Every Cover Letter Must Be UniqueAlthough you most likely send out a slightly amended version of the same resume to each company to which you are applying, you should never send out the same cover letter. This is one of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make. Yes, it may be tiresome and annoying, but you must tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company to which you are applying. This is the only way to ensure that you market yourself directly to the specific job requirements of the advertised role. The job positions you inquire about may exist within the same career field but are probably totally different in their descriptions, necessities and goals. You must account for these changes by modifying your cover letter for each job, because this is a clear sign to hiring managers that you have read and understood the job description and truly believe you are a good match.


Showcase YourselfYour cover letter is your chance to shine. This is where you’ll explain why you are the candidate best-suited for the position and why you would be a great fit for the company. You can do this by highlighting two or three specific skills you possess that you believe the company prides itself in. Your resume will mention them, but your cover letter explains them.

Provide Examples From Past Work ExperiencesThe entire cover letter can be thought of as a meticulous formula. Each part of it is a key element in the overall solution, and each element is closely connected. The skills you choose to discuss in your cover letter should be explained through specific examples of past successes. If you claim to have excellent writing skills, you should relate it to an achievement from a past job that benefitted the company. Because of this, your cover letters may all take on the same format and structure, but will inevitably differ between the specific skills you discuss and work experiences you highlight.


Follow the Basic Cover Letter StructureYou should always start with a restatement of the position for which you are applying. For example:

“I write to you to express my interest in the position of _____ at _____ company, as advertised in _____.”

Nearly every cover letter can use this basic format, which introduces you as a candidate to the hiring manager. Once you summarize the position you’re interested in, it’s always a good idea to state where you currently work and relate it back to this new position. This sets up the rest of your cover letter to discuss the relationship between your job history and your job skills, which will then help explain why these skills will transfer into this new position.

How to Handle Employment GapsIf you feel that there is something on your resume that needs a more detailed explanation, you can use your cover letter to do just that. Sometimes, your resume might show a gap in employment. While it is not necessarily a red flag to a hiring manager, they may be curious for the reason. Be sure to discuss any employment gaps in a positive light if possible; for example, perhaps you took time off to raise your children or participate in a volunteering opportunity. These explanations can add to your experience and offer a different perspective to the company. However, if the gap is due to a negative circumstance, it might best be left out and discussed in a formal interview.

Review Before You Hit SendBecause cover letters are so important, you should always take the time and effort to thoroughly read through them. It’s never a bad idea to ask a friend or family member go over it as well. A fresh pair of eyes might be able to catch a spelling mistake or grammatical error. The last thing you want to do when

you’re applying to a job is to appear unprofessional. If you rush through writing your cover letter or cut corners in an effort to save time, it will likely be apparent to the hiring manager.


Finding a job is great, but finding the right job is imperative to your success and happiness. Finding the right fit for you starts in the process of your job search. Knowing where to look and what to look for will help you save time and energy and will narrow down results to only the best options for you.

Searching for a job can be an overwhelming and daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than sifting through thousands of results for positions you have no interest in, you should understand how to search only for positions which will work for you. Inquiring about a position you might possibly qualify for can help you get a better feel for the requirements of the job.

for You in Your Job SearchFinding the Right Fit


Be Honest About Your Level of ExperienceOne of the mistakes that job-seekers make in their search is not specifying their level of experience. When you’re caught up in the enthusiasm of the prospect of landing a great job, you might not realize that you’re wasting valuable time. Your resume and cover letter might look attractive to a hiring manager, but if he or she calls you in for an interview and realizes your lack of relevant work experience, they could excuse you from the rest of the interview process.

Moving up in the professional world is attainable, but it almost always requires you to start at the bottom. If you’re just starting out, search for entry-level positions. If you’ve got a few years under your belt, use it to your advantage. Obtaining a position for which you are underqualified will place immense stress and pressure on you, and result in poor productivity. The moral of the story: don’t lie about work experience.


Find Something You Love, Even If It Takes TimeAvoid falling into the category of Americans who despise their jobs. Some people see dollar signs or other benefits and are quick to accept a job that is nowhere near a great fit. This only leads to poor work performance and a negative state of mind. Work dissatisfaction can also bubble over into different areas of your life, causing nothing but stress and headaches. Since working is a major part of your life, treat the search with the same care and meticulousness as you would if you were buying a new car or house. If you’re not completely sold on it, think about continuing the search process until you are.

Determine What You Will and Won’t Settle ForUnderstand what it is you’re looking for in a career. Is location important to you? Do you want benefits? It’s important to make a list of things you absolutely need and things you are willing to compromise on. For example, some people are willing to commute more than an hour to work. Are you willing to do the same? Some companies will state outright that the role’s salary is non-negotiable. If it does not meet your standards, you should decide whether you’re willing to risk wasting your time applying. By taking the time to separate job aspects such as these into different categories, you can cross certain positions off your list and spend more time on the ones that meet your needs.

To Know What You Want, You Have to Know YourselfPart of understanding what you’re looking for is understanding your own personality, both at work and in general. Do you enjoy working in a quiet space

with independence? Do you thrive on group meetings and projects? Be aware of your own work habits so that you can compare them to the habits at your prospective company. Nobody enjoys being an outlier, so if you feel that you work in a completely different way than the current employees, it could be a red flag that it might not be the best fit. Be honest and up-front with the hiring manager in your questions. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns – after all, the fit should be right for both you and the company overall.


At some point in your professional life, you will be required to attend a job interview with your prospective bosses. More than likely, you will have multiple interviews before you are satisfied with a job role. Interviews remain a staple in the job search process in America, despite the rapid technological advancements in the workplace. Phone interviews and video calls, though popular, have not entirely replaced the traditional face-to-face interview, so it’s important to prepare.

First InterviewNailing the


Preparation Is KeyPreparation is one of the most important parts of the interview process. You can’t expect a successful interview without first fully understanding your qualifications for the role, the position duties and the company. Spend some time researching the company and familiarize yourself with its current happenings. It will allow you to ask relevant questions during the interview and will show the hiring manager that you’ve made an effort to learn more about where you might end up working.

Understand the Position You’re Applying ForYou should also know the complete job description of the position. If you understand what the interviewer is looking for in a candidate, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to questions. Hone in on a couple of key elements or skills in the job description and tailor your discussion to them. You can also prepare to discuss certain past experiences that exemplify these elements. You’ll impress the interviewer when you recall them during the interview and are less likely to be caught off guard by any scenarios given to you.

Review Your ResumeStudy your resume diligently. Your interviewer will most likely have a copy of it in front of him or her, so you can expect that certain aspects of it will come up in discussion. Rather than staring blankly back at the hiring manager when asked about a specific experience or skill you listed, you should be able to think on your feet and recall the resume in your head with ease.

Make a Strong First ImpressionAs you prepare for the interview, and after you’ve gone over the essentials discussed above, you can

begin to focus on the details. The first job interview with your prospective employer is your chance to make a memorable first impression. How you present yourself can either make or break your chances of getting hired.


Dress to ImpressYou should always dress in a manner that is appropriate for the position to which you are applying. Most job interviews are formal, and therefore require a business-appropriate wardrobe. Think it over: if you accepted the job, how would you dress? If you would wear a suit and tie to work, you should wear a suit and tie to the interview. Avoid wearing anything that could serve as a distraction, like bright colors or loud prints. Neutral colors are always best.

Be PromptPlan to arrive early for your interview. The general rule of thumb is to get there 15-20 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you arrive any earlier than that, you may unwittingly cause an awkward situation to arise or place pressure on the interviewer to hurry. Leaving yourself with plenty of time can alleviate stress if there is any traffic during your commute. It also shows the interviewer that you take the interview seriously.


Maintain a Sense of ProfessionalismStick to a professional tone throughout the interview. It is okay to discuss casual things with the interviewer if he or she brings them up, but you should always be as formal as you can. Chances are, the interviewer is also nervous, so let him or her decide on the vibe and roll with it. And above everything else, whatever you do, do NOT swear! No matter how informal the interview might be, it’s never okay to assume swearing is acceptable. Even if he or she uses this kind of language, it’s better to stick to professional terminology.

Finish With a Follow-UpOnce the interview has finished, it’s important to ask the interviewer when he or she plans to make a decision. This will be helpful for you as you plan when to follow up with the hiring manager or whoever ran the interview. Following up is essential after any job interview, but it should be done with respect to the hiring manager’s schedule. For example, if the interviewer mentions that there are a few more candidates who will be interviewed for the same position over the coming days, it might be considered thoughtless of you to follow up before the interviewing process is complete for all candidates. It is, however, a great idea to send a thank-you note via email to the interviewer and/or hiring manager. Not only will it be received as a gracious gesture, it will also serve as another reminder of your name and interest in the position. Thank-you notes should always be sent within two business days of the interview.


Follow-UpNailing the

Congratulations – you nailed your first interview! As exciting as it may be, your work is nowhere near complete. The follow-up interview is just as important as the first interview, if not more. You’ll be expected to go into greater detail here, with job- and company-specific plans, ideas and scenarios.


The Follow-Up is Not a Repeat of Your First InterviewThe follow-up interview is a chance for you to provide your prospective employer with both personal and professional information. Don’t repeat the things you’ve said in your first interview verbatim – you’re expected to build off those ideas and center it on more duty-related specifics.

…But Do Repeat Certain CharacteristicsIt’s a good idea to review your previous interview(s) to focus on areas in which you excelled. Obviously, you impressed the hiring manager enough to be invited back for a second interview. This means you succeeded in certain aspects, such as your dress code, your language and your professional attitude. It’s important to repeat things like this, to show reliability and professionalism. Bring these same characteristics back with you to the follow-up to

assure your employer that they can count on you to always maintain this type of professionalism in the workplace.

Think of the first interview as your inside look at the real environment of the office. You were able to see how the other employees dressed and acted and can use it as an advantage for your follow-up.

Expand On Discussions Had in the First InterviewOther areas of your first interview should be altered or changed to avoid repeating the discussions that took place. Think back to some of the key points that the employer made. If the two of you spent 20 minutes talking about one characteristic of the job, you can expect that it will probably come up again. Don’t rely on the same responses you used in the first interview; instead, build and expand on your first responses to include more detail in terms of how you’ll excel in the role.


Do More ResearchPart of your preparation for the first interview required you to research the company to understand its purpose. The research should not stop there – it’s important to keep digging to find more information about what the purposes and challenges are for the department or job role to which you’re applying. You can do this by reading some of the company’s press releases or related news stories, if available. This should actually be easier for you to do after the first interview because the employer has likely explained the main duties of your position. You can use this knowledge to your advantage while researching for the second time.

Expect Scenarios and Prepare ResponsesIf you weren’t given any specific scenarios during your first interview, you can expect to be confronted with some during the follow-up. This is a tactic employers use to see if you’ll be able to perform the duties required by the job, and to what level. You can prepare for this by reviewing your research and coming up with examples from your prior work experience. The examples you choose to discuss should exemplify your excellent use of a specific trait that is relevant and important to the company.

Remember: Employment Is a Two-Way StreetDuring the follow-up, you might be given a tour of the office or introduced to potential fellow employees. This is not uncommon. Employers are interested in seeing how well you are likely to fit in. You don’t really need to prepare for this, but you can be ready for it by going in with a clear mind, a friendly disposition and a firm handshake. Remember that a tour of the office also gives you the opportunity to determine whether you’d be comfortable working in such an


environment. If you don’t feel comfortable during the tour or with the employees you meet, that might be something to pay attention to.

The follow-up is the best time for you to ask any and all questions you may have about the position. You may have asked a few during the first interview, but now is the time to really dive in. Remember, employment is a two-way street; you need to be reasonably certain that the position and work environment is right for you. Asking questions will help you feel more confident that your decision is the right one.

Follow Up With a Thank YouWhether or not the follow-up interview was run by the same hiring manager as the first interview, you should always send another thank-you email. Be sure to send one to each person who was part of the process, if possible. It shows the employer that you’re serious about the position and keeps your name in circulation.


Negotiating for Your Best InterestsThe Job Offer:

So, your hard work has paid off – you have received a job offer. But the job search process doesn’t stop there. Chances are, there are certain aspects of the job offer that you’d like to change. This is not uncommon, but it can be challenging for some people to learn how to negotiate for their best interests.


Maintain Professionalism as You NegotiateOne of the most important things to remember when negotiating the terms of a job offer is that likability and professionalism go a long way. Nobody will be willing to fight for you if you come across as greedy or petty. There are ways in which you can argue for your needs while still remaining polite and persistent. It’s important that you have people on your side – they are the only ones that can work to get you a better offer.

Practice, Practice, PracticePractice negotiating with friends, colleagues or family members. They’ll be able to tell you how they perceive your approach. If you come across too firm or unrelenting, scale back your demands. If you come across as a pushover, now is the time to be more assertive. It’s a balance that you can only achieve through practice and experience.


Provide ReasonsYou have to make the hiring manager believe that you’re worth it. You cannot expect to demand more money or additional benefits without giving reasons as to why. One technique you can use to do this is by providing an example to go along with your demands. Justify your additional requests by relating them to past work experiences.

You can use other job offers as leverage to negotiate for a higher salary, but do this with caution. If not explained properly, employers might take this as a rejection of their offer. Again, you should always be able to defend the reasoning for your negotiations. For example, if you share the fact that Company Z has made you a better offer, explain to Company X why you would rather work for them, which is why you are asking them to negotiate the original offer.

Show Your Dedication Throughout NegotiationsRemember, employers won’t be willing to bend over backward for you if they think you’ll reject the job at

the end of the day. Even if you use other offers as leverage, make it clear to the employer that he or she can absolutely hire you based on one or two key changes in the offer. They should see that you are serious about this position and this company.

Do Not Resort to UltimatumsNever give an employer an ultimatum. It comes across as threatening and manipulative, and can therefore hurt your chances of getting what you want. If you feel that you are on the receiving end of an ultimatum, try to ignore it. An employer who tells you that they will never do something could always take it back after realizing your negotiations are doable. Rather than dwelling on it, counter it. Recognize that the hiring manager may be having difficulty on his or her end meeting your demands, and shift gears so that you can move on to another part of the negotiation.

Read and Re-Read the Offer Letter and ContractAn offer letter and subsequent contract should always be reviewed thoroughly to be sure you clearly


understand what you’re being offered. If you made verbal agreements with the employer, they must be laid out in the offer letter. Without these agreements in writing, the employer has no responsibility to adhere to them. If the letter or contract is lengthy, considering using a lawyer to review it. It’s also helpful to understand your duties, responsibilities and any disclosures so that you can avoid getting into trouble in the future. For example, if you unknowingly share information with an outside party with whom you are restricted from sharing, it could be grounds for suspension or termination if it was mentioned in the offer letter and contract.

Accepting the OfferOnce you have everything in writing, you can formally accept the job. This should also be in writing, so that you and your employer are both on the same page. Generally, a response to the offer letter will suffice as an acceptance, as it indicates you are satisfied with all of the terms and conditions that were mentioned.

Rejecting the OfferAfter all is said and done, you may feel that a position just isn’t for you. Rejecting a job offer doesn’t have to be emotionally scarring. Write a rejection letter that thanks the managers for giving you their time. Give them the reason for your rejection if you are comfortable doing so, but keep it brief. The employer does not need to know anything more than the fact that you chose to accept employment elsewhere or are continuing with your job search. End with cordiality, mentioning that you wish the company all the best.


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GET HIRED: MASTERING THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS The