The job market is still tough, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of finding employment. Whether you are looking for your first job, or have been out of work for any reason, there are many ways to increase the likelihood that you will successfully land a job. Here are some useful tips:
- Build your resume. Resumes are the first impression you make on a potential employer. Keep it to one page and highlight your accomplishments. Don’t list every skill you have or every job you’ve had. Instead, focus on the jobs most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Research. When it comes to interviews, knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about each company before applying for a position there, including who runs the company, what its strengths and weaknesses are, what its competitors are doing, where it’s headed in the future and where you’d fit in. This is also an important step in figuring out whether the company is somewhere that you’d be happy working.
- Be prepared for typical questions such as, “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and have answers that are clear and concise. If possible, tailor those answers so they relate specifically to the company where you’re interviewing.
- Network with people in your industry. Almost half of all employers use networking sites to find candidates for open positions. If you know someone who works in your industry, talk to them about their experiences at their workplace and ask if they can refer you for a job at their company or put in a good word with their boss. They may also be able to give you advice about applying for similar positions elsewhere or what skills you need that will make you more hirable
