Getting the Job That You Want

It can be hard to get a job that you really want when the marketplace is tight. Consider some of the ways you can make yourself more marketable to employers and get your ideal job.

Construct a Great Resume and Cover Letter

A superb resume and cover letter are two of the main tools to help you get a job faster in any industry. Using your cover letter to introduce yourself as the best person for the job is key. Create a unique resume and cover letter for each position you apply for, and direct it to a specific person in the HR department. The use of applicant-tracking systems that help weed out prospective candidates is on the rise, so optimize every resume using keywords from the job description to improve your chances.

Obtain the Right Qualifications

Many times, companies receive applications from job seekers who are unqualified. Make sure you apply for jobs you are fully qualified for to avoid wasting time. Focus on expanding your skill set using higher education and industry training. The transferable skills you gain can make finding work in your field easier.

Improve Your Interviewing Skills

The quality of your interview is a huge factor in the hiring decision. If you want to get a job quickly, you must master the art of interviewing because companies use extensive interviewing techniques to single out weaker candidates and harvest the best workers for their team. Use mock interviewing to pinpoint areas of weakness and work on strengthening them.

Develop a Resilient Attitude

Without a doubt, job seekers are facing longer hiring times than ever before. If you want to get a job in a competitive job market, you must develop a resilient attitude. It may take weeks or months and a series of interviews before hiring personnel make a final decision regarding a particular candidate. Longer hiring times result in higher frustration, but don't let it weigh you down. Understanding that the hiring process has become more complex can help job seekers develop a more patient, confident attitude.

Follow Up

More often than not, job seekers neglect to follow up with employers, and then they wonder why they can’t get a job. This is a serious mistake to make if you want to get a competitive position. Understand some of the most successful job candidates are those who choose to follow up within 48 hours after meeting with an interviewer. Send a thank-you letter as well to express your gratitude for the job opportunity.

If you focus on selling yourself to the best of your ability, you can emerge victorious and get your dream job. Consider hiring a career coach to help you get a job that leads to a satisfying career.

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