Unlocking The Mysteries Of The Job Search

Last updated on December 13, 2015

Looking for a job can be a giant pain. You know you need a well paying job to make it, and you know you have the experience that employers are looking for, but sometimes you just don’t get the phone call that gives you the opportunity to shine.

If you want to be more successful with your job hunt, it’s important that you unlock the mysteries of the job search with the following tips.

1. Refine your job search to be more specific.

Sometimes you feel as if you’ll take any job, but that doesn’t mean you should apply for anything that comes your way. While you’re likely using websites like Monster and Indeed to locate open positions, you need to realize that so is everyone else. When jobs are posted on these sites, employers are inundated with applications, and it’s likely yours may fall through the cracks.

If you really want to snag a job, you need to look into niche job boards. For example, if you’re looking for a tech position, opt to check out sites like Dice. This way, you will only see the jobs that actually interest you and apply to your field.

2. Use job search notifications.

Every job site allows you to receive email notifications every time a new job matching your description is posted. Be sure to set these up. This way, if a new job that matches your desires is posted, you’ll be the first to know and the first to apply. You typically have the option of receiving these emails weekly, daily or in real-time, so be sure to change the settings to your specifications.

3. Provide an error free resume.

If your resume or cover letter has any type of grammatical or spelling error, you can kiss the job goodbye. Employers are only willing to accept applicants that provide perfection, so make sure you thoroughly proofread and check your resume before submitting it. You should also have a friend or relative proofread it as well to ensure it’s perfect.

4. Research the company.

Before you send your application, you should research the company to make sure they’re one you’d want to be affiliated with. You should also do your research so that you can make specific note to what you love about them and how you’ll fit in when writing your cover letter. If you can speak specifically to the company, it will greatly improve your chances of receiving an interview.

You should also research the company so that you know something about them before your interview. This way, when asked what you know about the company or why you want to work there, you can have a knowledgeable answer. Plus, if you have any questions about the company, you can ask them during the interview.

5. Prepare answers to the common interview questions.

While no two interviews are ever exactly the same, most interviews will ask the same types of questions. Research the most common interview questions, and learn how to answer them. This way, if you are asked these questions during the interview, you will have a great answer to share.

6. Practice your interview with someone.

Practice makes perfect. Before your interview, make sure that you practice with someone. Ask a friend or family member to interview you for the position, and ask them to give you feedback when it’s all said and done. This way, you will not only practice answering questions, but you’ll also learn of areas that may need improvement so you can work on them before the big day.

7. Write down a list of questions.

Employers are often impressed when a candidate has done their homework, so make sure you have a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the company or about the position. Keep in mind that focusing too much on how much money you’ll make or how much time off you receive will not look well, so try to focus on other things that matter, such as the company’s future, their employee retention and anything else that may interest you.

Landing a job is never an easy feat, but if you learn how to find a job and handle yourself during an interview, you’ll find success.