If you have been in the process of applying for jobs for quite some time without any definite job offers, you might be wondering just what are you doing wrong. It is easy to assume that you said something wrong in your interview or did not include enough volunteer work on you resume to get the attention of a human resources coordinator. There is a chance that what you are doing is targeting the wrong companies and the wrong jobs from the start. If you cannot afford to hire a career counselor to get coached on how to apply for and interview for professional career opportunities, read these valuable tips and get hired.
Start by Researching Companies Instead of Sifting Through Job Listings
It is very tempting to type in the position you are looking for and then submit your resume to jobs that you qualify for. Instead of starting with a job board, you should start by finding out which companies you want to work for. Do you prefer working for a small employer or a larger one? What type of benefits do you want to receive and which employers offer these benefits? Which employers have offices that are close to your home? If you review a company's website and find out why employees love working there, you will find a place that you truly wish you worked for.
Keep Your Horizons Open When it Comes to Open Positions
You know what you want to do and what you are qualified to do. You have to think outside of the box when you are reviewing job listings. Just because the position has a different title does not mean you are not qualified to apply. In fact, several different jobs in a company require the same skills. As long as you have these skills and the required experience there is no reason you should not apply. Thinking outside of the box will open up more hiring hiring opportunities.
Researching the Company Will Help You Prepare For Your Interview
Interviewers with popular companies ask the same questions and get the same answers every day. The key is learning how to stand out in the crowd once you get an interview. Your resume has stood out and now your personality needs to stand out. If you take time to review a company's website and their mission statement, you can use the information you find to help you answer interview questions. Use facts to explain why you want to work for the company instead of just saying that "the company is the best around."
The Perfect Combination of Traditional and Modern Strategies
Nowadays, many people use the Internet to search for and apply for jobs. While this is the most convenient way to submit several applications each day, it is not always the most effective way to approach your search. Make sure you take time to connect with employers. Attend networking events, trade shows, and volunteer to open up opportunity.
Try Out an Informational Interview
An informational interview is a meeting where you will sit with a professional in the position you are applying for to ask all types of questions. You can find out how the person started, what they do, what they love about their job, and what challenges they face. If you want to expand your professional network, this is a great way to show you are interested in working hard to get where you want.
The National Center for Education Statistics projects that more than 1.7 million students will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in the year 2012. This means that there are more than a million new applicants you will have to compete with in the job market. Keep your mind open to trying new methods to find jobs and secure a job that you love.
About The Author
Lindsay Parker is a career coach and guest author at Best Career Counseling Degrees, a site with guides to top-rated career counseling degree programs.
cc licensed flickr photo shared by robeposse
