How to Be a Compelling Candidate for a Job

How to Be a Compelling Candidate for a Job How to Be a Compelling Candidate for a Job When your job search seems to be stuck and youre not getting the contacts from employers you were expecting, its even more important than usual to make sure that you stand out from the job searching crowd.   You will need to show the hiring manager- at a glance- that you are a candidate who definitely should be selected for an interview. What can you do to get noticed? Its not as hard as you might think. Your application materials have to be perfect, of course, and you will need to use your connections to help get an in at the company. Youll also need to actively market your candidacy and yourself, rather than waiting for a new job to find you. Write a Targeted Resume Taking the time to edit or rewrite your resume so it matches the qualifications for the job youre applying for will show the hiring manager that you have the credentials for the job and should be considered for an interview. Write a Targeted Cover Letter Write a cover letter that shows, at a glance, why you are a strong match for the job. Dont repeat your resume, rather link (list or use bullets) your relevant skills to the skills the employer is seeking. Highlight your professional qualifications that match the hiring requirements. You only have seconds to catch the hiring managers attention, so use them wisely. Build Your Professional Brand Sometimes, recruiters Google candidates even before they schedule an interview so be sure to build your professional brand. You will want to make sure that everything they find when they search and everything related to you on the professional and networking sites (like LinkedIn and Facebook) is information that is presentable to the public. Also, be sure to edit your profile on LinkedIn so your connections know you are available for career and/or job opportunities. Use Your Connections Do you have connections at the company you just sent your resume to? If so, use them. They may be able to give your resume a boost and help you get an interview. You can also use your connections to find out more about the company. I know one job seeker, for example, who was able to connect with an employee at the company he was interviewing and get the inside scoop on the job and the company - before he set foot in the door. Be Proactive Remember that old saying He who hesitates is lost - its true. Employers dont wait forever for applicants to submit their resume (I know more than a few people who have waited too long to apply and lost out on what could have been a good job), so when you find a job listing thats a good match, apply immediately. Set up job search agents on the job search engines and/or job banks so you get new positions via email as soon as they are posted online. Again, dont wait to apply. Unstick Your Job Search If your job search seems to be stuck, try some new initiatives to get it started, so you can get back on track to find a new job, sooner rather than later. Practice Makes Perfect Practice before you go for an interview. Review typical interview questions and research the company so you are well-prepared to interview. Have interview clothes ready (dry cleaned, shoes polished, etc.) so youre ready to interview professionally at a moments notice. That way, your first impression will be positive and thats the impression you want to make on everyone you meet when youre job searching. Send a Thank You Note Dont forget to follow up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the job. Most candidates dont bother, but those that do are more likely to get hired.