Proven Strategies To Make Finding a Job More Effective

We all go through the job-hunting process several times throughout life. Searching for a career is rarely easy and requires sifting through job postings while marketing yourself to potential employers. Knowing where to search for job openings and how to beat the competition often feels daunting. Try these proven strategies to make finding a job more efficient.

Show Off Your Skills

One of the best ways to stand out in a competitive market is to hone your skills. What makes you unique as a potential employee? How will you benefit a prospecting business? Aim to state and explain several skills in the profile summary at the top of your resume. For instance, rather than write “organized individual,” state “superb organizational skills illustrated by x-position.” The key here is to list skills that align with the job description.

In addition, draw attention to some of your highlights; this can be academic or professional, depending on your experience level. This shows the employer that you possess the skills you claim to have.

Pro Tip

Many new to the career world highlight their top four skills under a “ Qualifications Summary” section. Often, this stands in the place of a profile summary.

Use Your Network

Sometimes sitting at the computer and applying to job after job doesn’t cut it. Talk to friends, family, and past colleagues to see if they can help you land a position. They can recommend you if there’s an opening at the company they work for.

Often, personal referrals push candidates forward since employers are more inclined to listen to suggestions from their employers rather than solely relying on who’s applied to online postings. Again, this is because the manager already knows their employee’s work ethic, and if it’s excellent, they’ll have faith in who they—the worker—refer for the job.

Work With Recruiters

Turn to a recruitment agency if no one in your network can help. These companies offer free services to job candidates and help them find their ideal careers. One of the top benefits of working with a recruiter is that they’ll provide personalized career coaching. This often includes fine-tuning your resume and preparing you for a stellar interview.

Have an Elevator Pitch

Finally, have an elevator pitch ready to go. Many career coaches recommend this proven strategy to make finding a job more efficient because you never know when you’ll run into an opportunity. If a potential employer calls you, one of the first questions they’ll ask is, “tell me about yourself.” This is where your elevator pitch comes in.

An elevator pitch is a brief explanation of your professional portfolio. When giving it, you’ll divulge your current position, three key strengths, and why you want the role. You’ll want to say all this in around 30 seconds because it gives the listener crucial information and keeps their attention. After all, you want to wow all possible employers once you’ve found the ideal open position.