It’s out there: the job you’ve been looking for.
Even if you’re feeling a bit intimidated or discouraged at the prospect of finding it, with a little planning and perseverance, it will happen – maybe even sooner than you think.
As far as that planning goes, start with these tips:
When you find a company that interests you, do your research.
Researching a potential employer is one of the best ways to help yourself stand out among the competition. It arms you with knowledge about what a company does, what their current issues and needs are, and what they’re looking for in a candidate. Equally important, it can help you determine whether it’s a place you’d fit in and enjoy working.
- Start with the company’s website. From there, check social and traditional media. If possible, contact current or former employees and others who have some kind of connection to the employer. They can be a wealth of information.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job.
These are the first things an employer will see, so wow them by aligning your skills and experience with the keywords in their job description. Weave them into both your resume and cover letter, without overdoing it. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter.
Use social media to your advantage.
In addition to using social media to research companies, make sure your own online presence is pristine and professional. Clean up, delete, or have deleted anything associated with you that looks even slightly questionable or unprofessional. In addition:
- Post regular updates that relate to your dream job, share relevant content, and participate in conversations, discussions and groups. Put yourself out there to show your knowledge and genuine interest.
Network offline, too.
Your network is more than just Twitter handles, LinkedIn connections and Facebook friends, although never discount those. In-person networking is back, so put that to work for you, too. Join professional associations, set up informational interviews, or take a contact to lunch. Having someone personally vouch for you can mean the difference between landing your dream job – or not.
The right opportunity is closer than you think.
At PrideStaff Fresno, everything we do is designed to serve you better as you land your dream job in areas including production, manufacturing, administration, accounting, healthcare, IT, sales and marketing, and more. From entry-level through senior management roles, we can connect you with top employers in the Central Valley and beyond. Reach out to us today to learn more.