Try these Job Hunting Skills for a Competitive Edge

Here are some job hunting tips that may set you apart from your competition!

Personalize Your Resume
1) Make sure your resume speaks to who you are. Is there room for creativity? Instead of having a static resume that's exactly as a template, add your personal touch as long as it's easy to read and professional.

Follow Up
2) Follow up on resume's and applications that you send out. If you can obtain the hiring manager's phone number, then call. A phone call adds a personal touch. Be pleasantly persistent. Following up can set you apart from those who do not. Don't wait for a company to call or email you back. In this competitive environment you want to do whatever it takes to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Consult Friends and Associates
3) Consult your network of friends and associates. Call or email your contacts at company's that you have worked at before to see if there are any openings that match your skills. If your contacts don't have any opportunities ask if they can refer you to their connections for resources.

Be Confident
4) Be confident in all of your communications especially in interviews. Have your pitch ready. Be able to list your strengths, know the value that you can bring the company.

Be honest about your skills. Typical questions that hiring managers ask are: What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you solve problems related to your particular job? What was a mistake you made and how did you solve it, what did you learn from it? Practice your pitch to friends or in front of a mirror.

Show that you know your industry's trends and current events by researching online. Review forums related to your industry from both the professional and the customer's view point to be in the know of what's really going on outside corporate walls.

Interview the interviewer. Ask thought out questions as this can catch your interviewer's attention and leave them with a lasting impression.

Follow Up Again
5) Be sure to get your interviewer's business card and follow up with a thank you note.

Good Luck!

Have any tips or suggestions for job hunting? Please share them by posting a comment.


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