There are two approaches to looking for a career. You can scattershot your chances, applying to anything and everything with the hope something pans out. Or you can focus your efforts on those areas that match your skills, and present the best you for the position. The latter approach may take a bit more work, but it is also more effective.
“Searching for a job is much more rewarding when you can align your skill set with what your potential employer is seeking,” says Steven Cardwell, a 20-year veteran of recruiting and General Manager of the recruitment firm ESF Careers. “Sending the same resume and cover letter to 100 different companies is not going to make you stand out. You need to customize your approach and emphasize the experience, training and skills that are required for the position you want.”
Steven offers the following tips for job seekers:
• Read the job ad carefully— There are often tips and clues used in the verbiage of the ad that will give you an idea of the specialized skill sets the employer desires. Read between the lines to get an idea of what those are. Are technical skills more important than people skills? Are they looking for a team player or a solo artist? This knowledge will help frame your approach to the process.
• Customize your resume — Not all employers are seeking the same thing, even if the nuances of the job are similar. Consider all aspects of your past experience and emphasize skills from that experience that will be beneficial. For example, if you have sales experience, but are applying for a job outside of sales, you need to find a connection between the two. If the job requires you to be part of an integrated team, focus on your experience interacting with customers or clients and how that relates to working in a team environment.
• Do your research — Learn all you can about the company you want to join. Check their website and peruse their social media channels — particularly LinkedIn. Get to know as best you can what they do, how they approach their work and the role of the position for which you are applying. Then clearly articulate how you picture yourself fitting into their team.
• Be engaging — Fit matters. A crisp, flawless and impressive resume can easily fall by the wayside if you bomb the interview. Be relaxed and conversational, but professional. If those making the hiring feel uncomfortable around you during the interview, they are unlikely to want to put you in their organization.
• Predict the questions — If you are lucky enough to get an interview, preparation is key. Think about questions they may ask, and craft concepts and answers you want to cover. Draw strong connections between your training, education, experience and personality to both the position and the company in general.
• Ask questions — Most interviews provide an opportunity to ask questions, and you should ask about more than salary, benefits and vacation time. Ask about the companies short- and long-term goals. What do they look for in an employee? What is the company culture like? How are relations between workers and management?
“Finding that perfect job is a full-time job,” says Cardwell. “Whether you are employed looking to leverage your career or unemployed looking for that perfect position, it takes time and effort. That is where we can come in to help.”
