Four steps to take before applying for a job: Tips from resume experts
If you have found a job posting that sparked your interest, don’t submit your resume immediately. Since competition for well-paying jobs is high, you need to approach the application process strategically. In particular, you will need to ensure that your application documents are up to scratch, analyze the job posting and clean up your internet presence. Below, you will find the four steps you need to take before sending out a resume to ensure the success of your application.
4 steps to take before applying for a job, according to resume experts
1. Update your resume
According to the statistics, recruiters spend under 7 seconds on each CV. Having a strong document that emphasizes your strengths, highlights your skills and accomplishments is crucial if you want to get more interviews and job offers. So, before applying for jobs, update your old resume, adding your most recent jobs, achievements and skills you’ve learned.
Some job-seekers prefer hiring a professional resume editing service, such as https://resumeperk.com/. A writer from this company can edit and revise your CV online, correcting any mistakes that can turn off the recruiters and focusing on your key selling points.
It is also crucial to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job posting. Creating a new resume every time is not necessary, but it’s important to add the relevant keywords and focus on the qualifications requested by a company. You can do it yourself, or turn to resume experts who know the exact strategies to get you noticed.
2. Research the company
Spend at least 15 minutes researching the company before you send out a resume. Take a look at other job postings, the corporate website and their social media pages. In this way, you will learn about the company’s main activities, workplace culture, values and employer brand. Chances are, that upon learning more about the organization you might decide not to apply there.
On the flip side, if the company looks like a good employer with a matching work culture, this will help you tailor your resume and a cover letter. Show the employer that you share their values and goals, and how your contribution can help achieve them. Knowing more about the company will also be helpful during the interview.
3. Clean up your social media
If you Google your name, you may be surprised at how many digital footprints you leave online. And the first thing you should pay attention to is social media. According to the survey, 70% of employers check out applicants’ profiles.
Open your Facebook, Instagram and other social media profiles and try to look at them from the employer’s perspective.
Does everything you see portray you as a competent and reliable professional? If not, update your privacy settings and make controversial content visible for friends only, or remove anything unprofessional. Pay special attention to inappropriate pictures, signs of alcohol abuse, and discriminatory or inappropriate comments. Poor writing skills or badmouthing the previous employer are also considered red flags.
Speaking of LinkedIn, keep it strictly professional, complete and up-to-date. In this case, recruiters might find and contact you with offers.
4. Use your network
Most jobs are filled through networking; many jobs are not even advertised online. Thus, the most effective way of job search is to find a connection in your target company and ask them to recommend you. In this case, hiring managers will pay more attention to your application and are more likely to interview you.
If you don’t know anyone who works in your target company, consider looking for referrals on LinkedIn. Tap your network to find connections or acquaintances who work in your dream company. Send them a letter explaining your job search goals, work samples, and ask if they can recommend you for the open position. Be very polite and avoid being annoying if the person isn’t receptive.
You might want to send your resume immediately after you’ve seen a great job opening. However, by using a structured approach as suggested above, you’ll have higher odds to be seen and shortlisted for the interview. Make your application relevant, improve your online image and leverage your connections to be noticed.
