job hunt

Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Job Search

Hunting for a job can be a full-time job itself. And it might feel like you’re working overtime if you are making any of the following four common mistakes, all of which can land your application in the “thanks, but no thanks” pile. If you are a current job seeker, you can plan ahead to make sure you get the call back by avoiding these common mistakes:

  1. Using the same resume for every job you apply for. You can start with a template resume, but then you should customize it based on the job description and hiring requirements of every single job you apply for. Recruiters can quickly determine if you have the key skills needed for the job, and customizing your resume based on the position will show that you are serious about the job hunt and qualified for the job at hand.

  2. Applying for every single job out there. It can be tempting to zip your resume off to every open position you are vaguely qualified for, but it’s actually a waste of your time and the company’s time. Make sure you review the qualifications for each position during your job search to ensure that you have at least three-quarters of what they are looking for. Then, you can target your resume and cover letter to show why you are such a great match.

  3. Being vague, rather than specific. It is important to show your impact and specify your accomplishments throughout the job hunt – this goes for resumes and interviews. Rather than saying, “I helped my sales team grow,” try “Thanks to the new initiatives I implemented, our sales grew by 40 percent in the first two years.” The more specific, the better.

  4. Failing to ask questions. In an interview situation, you are obviously going to be asked a lot of questions. You might not know that the interviewer expects you to ask a lot of questions in return. Be prepared – do your research on the company and come with a list of questions that show your interest and preparation. Make sure you stay engaged throughout the interview to show your overall fit for the job.

How to Make LinkedIn Your Best Friend

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LinkedIn is a great tool for job hunters and hiring companies alike. The networking site makes it easier than ever to find the right positions and the right people, particularly with the LinkedIn search feature.

Next time you are searching for a job – or a candidate for your job – consider the following three top tips for making the LinkedIn search feature your very best friend when it comes to staffing:

  1. Start with advanced search. The advanced search option allows you to seek out specific fields, query teams and keywords. For example, you can look for only current employees at Google or writers who have AP style experience. Your search can be as specific and customized as you need it to be. You will find the advanced search option via the link next to the search bar on the LinkedIn home page. You can also choose to “Refine Search” after you have made an initial query, which will also help you narrow down your search.

  2. “AND/OR” lets you customize even more. LinkedIn really links in to specific search criteria. If you are looking for a website designer, you can use the term “OR” in all caps to find someone who is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) OR a PMP Agile Certified Practitioner, for example. Many people display certifications and skills in different ways, so the OR gives you the chance to search for different variations of the same skillset. Likewise, the AND option ups the ante: You can look for individuals who speak Spanish AND French, for instance. Again, these advanced tools will help you hone in so you can really spot what you’re looking for.

  3. Sort away. Just like the sorting hat in the Harry Potter books, LinkedIn can also sort your search results based on the relevance of various keywords. You can prioritize companies in California or individuals with doctorate degrees, for example, making the sorting feature a great option, no matter what or who you are searching for.

Even without advanced search tips, LinkedIn is a great way to learn more about people and companies. When you take it to the next level, however, your search will shine the spotlight on the latest candidates and opportunities in your field.