Navigating a job search is never easy. Even when the job market’s pretty solid, you still have to have the perfect resume, a great interview, and outstanding references. And more than anything, you have to make yourself stand out from the competition. If you forget to do something, you can bet there’s another candidate out there who remembered to do it. Here’s how to stand out from the dozen—or more—applicants applying for the same job.
Do your research
If helps if you know what you’re talking about during the interview. Look into the company pretty thoroughly before you apply or go in for an interview. Make sure you’re comfortable with their culture, understand their mission and vision, understand the job description, and you know about some of their personnel. Get up-to-date on any current events that are relevant to the company or the industry.
Prove your ambition
Be enthusiastic and focused. Talk about your previous jobs or the industry you’re applying to like you really love it. Even if you sense things aren’t going well, stay upbeat and driven. Show your initiative by really taking control of your job search. Set daily and weekly goals for yourself, follow up on leads, and develop your network.
Show off your problem solving skills
All companies run into problems from time to time, and it’s staggering how many people get so overwhelmed with humps and hurdles that they can’t even function. So someone who can remain calm and think critically under pressure is a huge asset to any company.
Start the job already
When you go in for the interview, have something to share with the interviewers. Reread the job description, figure out what you’d be doing in the first week or month and start doing it. It might be some accounting formulas, a project, or some innovations you thought about. In other words, show that you’ll add value to the company right away.
Send a handwritten note
Okay, by now we all know that you have to send a thank you note after an interview. Most hiring managers have come to expect that. But try sending a handwritten note. Even though it takes a little longer to get there than an email would, a handwritten note shows them that you care enough to exert a little more effort than everyone else. You have to get some paper, grab an envelope, find a stamp… Anyone who does all that must really want the job!
For more advice on demonstrating that you’re the perfect fit for the job, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh