When you’re suddenly in need of a job, you probably don’t want to delay in getting hired. You need a paycheck to keep up with your bills and you know that you don’t want to have too big of a gap on your resume. Or maybe you’ve been searching for a long time and you’re tired of the process, ready to finally settle in to a new, stable job. But getting hired quickly is no easy feat. You want to make sure you’re making the best decision for you. When you need a job as soon as possible, here’s how to get hired quick.
Don’t apply to every job
It sounds counter-intuitive, but trust me. If you start applying to every single job you find, you’ll only drag out the process. First, you’ll only be wasting your time—applying to jobs you’re not even interested in and to so many jobs that you’ll have trouble keeping them all straight. Instead, you’ll have a better chance of getting selected for interviews if you only apply to jobs you’re actually interested in and are relatively qualified for. 
Identify target companies
Come up with a list of companies that you know you’d like to work for and start researching them. Start following them on social media and research any job openings there. If you happen to know anyone who might work there, pick their brains about what it takes to get a job there. Are there qualifications they look for? Can someone put in a good work for you? If you struggle, no worries—the average jobseeker gets rejected by fifteen employers before finding a job.
Tailor your cover letter
Craft a cover letter that’s specific to each job you’re applying to. Otherwise, your resume will probably get passed over—generic cover letters are more likely to get ignored. Convey your excitement about the company and your interest in the position. Mention how well qualified you are for the job and how well your skills and experiences match the job requirements.
Customize your resume
Your resume should also be customized to fit the job posting. This way, you don’t have to waste precious space with every bit of experience you’ve ever had. Don’t include experience or past jobs that are irrelevant. Focus on the skills, experiences, and accomplishments that show you’re suited for this position. Use key words from the original job posting so any tracking systems are more likely to pick it up.
Interview with a story
Be yourself during the interview. Tell the story of your career so far and explain where you’d like to see it go. When they ask about your accomplishments and failures, use specific examples in story format and make sure each one ends with a happy ending.
Send a thank you note
Not everyone sends a thank you note after the interview, but it’s just a little extra effort and courtesy that could set you apart from the crowd that doesn’t. Thank them for their time and consideration, mention anything you forgot to say during the interview, and reiterate your interest in the position. Take one extra sentence to mention how well-suited you are for the job—your qualifications and skills are a perfect fit!
Stay positive
Be an optimist—every new lead could possibly be your next dream job! And no matter what, don’t say anything negative about your past employers. Instead, frame it all in a very positive light. Be grateful for your experiences and everything you’ve learned in them.
For more tips on finding the job of your dreams, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh