When searching for the right job, you are competing against a sea of candidates. To set yourself apart from the competition, follow these five important habits.
Sell Yourself
Sell the employer on hiring you by being your own best sales representative. Oftentimes, we are taught not to boast about ourselves or our abilities. The job search is the one time when you can and should truly promote yourself.
Be convincing in the way that you present yourself and your skills. You can start by making a list of all skills, experiences, and certifications that you bring to the job.
Remember, the employer doesn’t know who you are and what you have accomplished. Be sure to share this information in a way that is relevant to your job role.
Be Visible
Show the company that you are interested in them through social media. A great way to do this is to promote the company and its activities through your own social media channels.
This includes the use of Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. It’s as simple as re-posting, sharing, or referencing a link to a corporate event, program, product, or news item on your channel(s).
You can even use a #hashtag that a company or organization is using through their social media. If they ‘like’ or ‘re-post’ your message, then this is a great sign that you are now visible to the company.
Even if you don’t receive a ‘like’ or ‘re-post’, rest assured that you’ll still remain on the company’s radar.
Make Friends
Network with the company through any opportunity available to the public.
Oftentimes, we don’t want to appear pushy when applying to a role. This often holds us back from reaching out to connections made, or from following up with an employer.
One effective way to connect with a company (without appearing too pushy) is to begin networking before receiving any offers. You could participate in events, conferences, seminars, launches, or other public avenues where the company is present.
Even if the company is sponsoring or exhibiting at a public event, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself. This will help you to build a relationship with individuals who work there.
When the right opportunity presents itself, reach out to your contact to let them know you’ve applied for a role. The personal connection will give you an advantage. It may even help you get selected sooner for an interview — or the job!
Know the Role
Know as much as you can about the job that you are applying for.
Knowing the role inside out means that you can effectively speak to the duties, responsibilities, and direction that has been outlined in the job description. Beyond this, you should begin to understand where the role fits within the company’s mission, vision and objectives.
Start by researching the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and any news related to the company. You can read any reviews available on the internet but be mindful that not all opinions online are reflective of company culture and work styles.
This is also a great time to learn more about your hiring manager and how your role fits within the objectives of their department or team. A simple LinkedIn search can tell you a lot about how your future manager leveraged their skills and experience towards the company’s goals and objectives.
Get Excited
Passion and enthusiasm should be expressed throughout the job search. Be sure to introduce yourself and share your passion for the role, the industry, and the services or products being offered by the company.
After your interview, reiterate your interest and enthusiasm in the work (if your feelings are genuine). This interest and enthusiasm should continue throughout any interviews, when you accept the offer, and into your role on the new job.
Follow these habits and you will become highly effective at your job search – and at securing the right role for your career!
Rohit Mehta is the Youth Job Connection Program Coordinator with The Career Foundation. He is passionate about helping people to reach their full potential through skill building, mentorship and professional development. Rohit enjoys giving back to his community by serving as a volunteer on charity boards and supporting fundraising events.