Becoming the Must Hire Candidate

If you’re sending out stacks of job applications to no avail or going on interview after interview with nothing to show for your efforts, it’s time to reevaluate your strategy, from your resume to the after-interview follow-up. Consider these tips to make sure you’re the must-hire candidate.

Perfecting Your Resume

When it comes to sending out your resume, remember that no two should be the same. Customize your resume and cover letter to each employer, making each document relevant to the skills and experience required for the position. Pay attention to frequently used words in the job description, and sprinkle these keywords throughout your resume and cover letter. Be sure to include your significant accomplishments as well as major job duties for each position held.

Use bullet points to break your resume into uncluttered lists, and choose a modern font for a crisp, clean presentation. Limit your resume to one page in length, and proofread it several times to eliminate any formatting, spelling or grammatical errors.

Acing the Job Interview

Once you’ve dazzled the hiring manager with your flawless resume, it’s time to impress him in the job interview. Research the organization ahead of time. Learn about the company’s culture, get to know its history, and study up on its products, services, clients and business partners. This gives you valuable insight for the job interview, allowing you to tailor each of your responses to fit the company’s needs. Call on specific examples of times you’ve put your skills on display to demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job successfully.

Pay attention to your body language during the job interview, and ensure your attire makes you look professional and polished. Take the time to ask a few thoughtful questions to show you’re genuinely interested in the job.

Sealing the Deal

Before you leave the job interview, inquire about the organization’s timeline and ask the hiring manager for permission to follow up. If he indicates you should hear something within two weeks, call or email on that date to inquire about the status of the vacant position.

Send a quick thank-you note immediately after the interview, either by email or in the form of a thank-you card. Address each person on the interview panel, and thank them for their time. Include a few memorable points from the interview to show your interest in the position. Even if you don’t get the job, keep the recruiter in your professional network so he can consider you for future job opportunities that arise.

With so much competition in every career industry, it’s imperative that hiring managers see you as a must-hire candidate. Make sure your resume is impeccable so they don’t pass up the chance to meet you, and perform your best at the job interview so you outshine all other potential candidates.

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