10 Tips to help you land your next gig (quickly), from a Senior Recruiter
24 Jun 2020
10 Tips to help you land your next gig (quickly), from a Senior Recruiter
- Applying for jobs is your new full-time job.
Apply every single day. Put at least the same effort into landing your next role as you would any other big, important project.Keep in mind, a good job application is a process that takes time and consideration to highlight your most relevant experience for that particular role. You’ll want to prioritize, and IMO—jobs that have been posted for 4+ weeks are usually stale, meaning the company already has selected their first round of candidates to interview. You can still apply to these roles, but try getting your application in to the one posted 1-2 days ago first. - Get yourself in touch with a recruiting agency.
Recruiting or staffing agencies like us can connect you with a variety of clients and opportunities, saving you the time of having to hunt these down yourself. Some of these roles may not be posted publicly yet, and many agencies also offer helpful feedback, like resume reviews and interview coaching that you wouldn’t receive otherwise. - Be alert.
Most companies and job sites have alert features that you can subscribe to, so you’re notified every time a relevant job is posted (based on what skills or industries you select). Instead of scouring sites every day, set up several personalized job board alerts and spend your time finding organizations and businesses that interest you. Now follow those on social media (especially LinkedIn), sign up for their alerts and stay informed. - Review your resume.
Does your resume fit onto 1 page? If yes, it’s likely too short (designers, don’t come @ me). Is your resume >4 pages? If yes, it’s likely too long. According to a 2018 study, recruiters spend roughly 7 seconds on average reading a resume. That means you have literally seconds to convey why you’re cut out for this job.Want to stand out? Stick to key accomplishments, projects, results, core responsibilities and of course, keywords. - Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.
Recruiters and employers scour sites like LinkedIn every day for suitable candidates. Keep your profile updated with as much detail as possible around your key accomplishments and what you’re looking for. Did you know LinkedIn has a feature that lets you tell potential employers you’re interested in new opportunities? Turn it on! - Toot your own horn.
Put yourself out there – join relevant professional associations, local groups, networking and/or business referral sites. Reach out to past colleagues, clients or associates to let them know you’re exploring new opportunities. Start a blog, share your ideas about trends in your field and/or industry. This is a time for developing your voice and focusing on your accomplishments.Psst! Recruiters and other business contacts often ask candidates for other suitable referrals. If people don’t know you’re looking, they won’t think to mention your name. - Pay it forward.
Offer your mentorship while you have the time, or volunteer with a local charity—both of which can be done remotely. You can make a positive impact in your community while meeting new people and gaining experience. This is a great way to keep your skills fresh while also helping others, which can help with keeping your self-esteem up while in between jobs. - Line up your references.
Identify 2-3 people you can ask to speak to your capability and work habits. Some companies ask early in the interview stage and others will ask later, so think about when you are comfortable having your referees contacted and you’ll be prepared when asked.Heads up! Before you share someone’s details, be sure to let them know to be on the lookout for a call or email from the prospective employer. Companies hate having to track down references that don’t reply. Preparing your references saves time, and makes you look even better. - Alumni benefits.
If you attended college or some other academic institution you likely are part of an alumni network. If you’re not certain what benefits or resources are available to you as an alumnus, reach out and inquire. Alumni networks often provide job search resources or can connect you to prospective employers. - Keep your head up.
I’d be doing a huge disservice if I didn’t acknowledge that job searching can be a tiring, frustrating, and demotivating experience for people of any & all backgrounds. Please, remind yourself (daily if you have to) that it can take time, and that’s not a reflection of your ability or what you have to offer. Take breaks when you need to, talk to a friend or your recruiter for support, and stay positive. The next leg of your journey is just around the corner.
