What Are the 10 Most Important Things to do to Get a Job?

If you're just starting your job search, you may be wondering where to even begin. If you've been searching for a while but having no luck getting interviews or landing job offers, it may be time to revamp your strategy. Review this jobseeker checklist to discover the top 10 most important things to do to get a job.

1. Research

Be prepared to do a lot of research during your job search. Before you apply for any position or attend an interview, find out all you can about the organization's mission, products, services, employees, successes and competitors.

2. Proofread Your Resume

If you're sending out stacks of resumes during your job search but not getting called for interviews, proofread your resume thoroughly. Check for grammar errors, formatting issues and spelling mistakes. Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume and offer feedback.

3. Match the Job Description

Read every job description thoroughly, and tweak your resume to ensure each one you send out is tailored to the specific company. Make sure your skills and qualifications match the job requirements for each specific position.

4. Update Your Cover Letter

Never send out a generic cover letter. Personalize each one for the position and potential employer. In your cover letter, explain how you can meet the organization's specific need.

5. Boost Your Interviewing Skills

You're bound to attend several interviews throughout your job search, so brush up on your interviewing skills. Practice your responses to common interview questions, and tailor your answers to match the needs of the organization. Pay attention to your body language, and prepare intelligent questions to ask the hiring manager at the end of each interview.

6. Determine Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When asked about your greatest strengths, tout your skills, educational experience and past achievements. If you're asked about weaknesses, don't provide a cliché response. Give an honest answer, and tell how you're working to improve yourself.

7. Update Your Social Media Profiles

Revamp your social media profiles before you start a job search. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, and review your Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages to ensure they present appropriate and professional information.

8. Create a Sales Pitch

Be sure to sell yourself with enthusiasm during your job interviews. Relate your past accomplishments to the hiring organization's needs to demonstrate how you can help the company reach its goals.

9. Contact Professionals in Your Network

Ask colleagues or other industry contacts to refer you to vacant positions. Attend job fairs or use LinkedIn to build your professional network.

10. Follow-Up

Take the time to send a thank you note after each job interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity, highlight the key points from your meeting and reiterate why you're the best candidate for the job.

Getting a job offer is all about standing out from the other candidates. If your job search is stalled or you're at the starting line with no idea of how to proceed, use this jobseeker checklist as a guide.

Photo courtesy of blackzheep at FreeDigitalPhotos.net