Developing the ultimate job search strategy means you have to understand the other side of the process. The hiring manager is the person you want to impress with your cover letter, resume, video interview and social media presence, and understanding what they are looking for in an applicant can go a long way toward getting an interview.
Learning to think like a hiring manager is the first step toward getting more job interviews and being offered a position. All of your documents, references, skills and education should point to how your personal and professional experience and goals make you someone the company can't afford to pass by.
Show the hiring manager why you want this particular job at this specific firm. Recruiters want to see that your personal connection to the company goes deeper than workplace flexibility, a regular check and medical benefits. Perhaps you admired the company as a child or your life philosophy jives with the firm's mission statement. Use your cover letter to establish a personal connection and show that you're serious about working for the business.
Explain how your work experiences, skills and life goals have led you to this moment. A hiring manager wants to know what you bring to the position and why you fit into the scheme of this company. Even if you're changing career fields, your skills can still greatly benefit the company. Perhaps your social media prowess or SEO knowledge can take the firm's sales team to new heights. Maybe your technical skills with machinery can improve production by 20 percent. Research the company ahead of time and determine how you can strengthen its weaknesses.
Make sure your work ethic matches the employer's needs.The hiring manager wants to know if your personality fits with the company's internal structure and public image. Read the firm's mission statement, and look at the website. Study the basic job description and look for descriptive words such as "professional," "high-energy" and "independent." These terms give you clues about the company's culture and should be included in both your resume and your cover letter.
To increase your chances of landing job interviews, focus on these aspects in a short cover letter. A cover letter complements the resume and puts a face to the numbers, statistics and hire dates. Let your passion for the position show through your words when you describe one instance that prepared you for your future career path. Recruiters love to see someone who cares about people above money, but keep your personal story to just a few short paragraphs to avoid going off topic.
Implementing these strategies and thinking like a hiring manager can help put you at the top of the applicant pack. It still may take a while to land your dream job, but you should see more attention from recruiters and HR personnel.
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