If you’re looking for an administrative job, you don’t have to be told that the competition for jobs is fierce. Everyone, it seems, has a degree. Most have the requisite years of experience. And virtually everyone has computer skills that more or less match yours.
So how do you stand out from the hundreds of applicants applying for the same admin job? Some suggestions to get you to the front of the line:
Target Your Resume. Don’t use the same resume for every company. Dig. Do some research into the prospective employers business, the services they offer or products they make. Find out as much as you can about the job description. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask for details about the job, the company, and the problems/challenges they face. Then use this information to fine-tune your resume to the specific needs of that job.
Target Your Cover Letter. Use what you learned (see above) to write a cover letter that sells your ability to do that specific job. Show how your background, education and experience will address the challenges of the position. Don’t just repeat what’s in your resume. This is your chance to put your “elevator pitch” in writing. Sell yourself.
Polish Your Online Rep. These days, most employers will automatically go online to see who you are and what you’ve done in terms of social media. They’ll Google you and search the professional networking sites (like LinkedIn and Facebook). Make sure the information on these sites is professional and presentable. That means no photos of you “bombed” or wearing next nothing at a party.
Use Connections. These days, who you know can be as important as what you know. If you know someone who already works for the company you’re interviewing, use them to get as much information as you can about the firm, what they’re looking for in a candidate, and what your potential supervisor really needs.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
Got any thoughts on standing out as a job candidate? Include your comments in the section below.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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