By Rowe Leathers
Contributor, Career Services
Job search is a task with which we are all familiar. The process of searching for open positions, adjusting our resumes and the actual process of applying can sometimes be too much, and many of us begin to shortcut the process. This is a mistake candidates make, and in the end, it is themselves who are short-changed. Candidates who skip crucial steps, such as tailoring the resume, submitting complete applications and following up, are preventing themselves from standing out from the pool of applicants.
The first step to an intentional job search is to identify suitable positions that match your skill sets. Seek jobs for which you are qualified and have a good chance of being considered. It is a waste of your time to submit your resume to positions that require skills you do not possess.
Tailoring your resume is crucial to convey your qualifications to the hiring manager. Think of your resume as the message you want the hiring manager to know about you. A resume that does not speak to the needs of the employer is another time-waster. This is a common mistake that many applicants make. Draft your resume with the intent to nail down your next job by providing relevant information that the employer needs to know in order to hire you.
Many job seekers consider the follow-up as optional. This is far from the truth. The follow-up is where you can continue to reiterate your interest in the position, and it works as a reminder of the impression you made at your meeting. A follow-up can occur more than once or twice. If the hiring manager indicates that a decision has not yet been made, ask permission to call again within a given time frame, and be sure to follow through. Sometime, it’s persistence that separates you from the rest of the pack.
Being intentional with your job search can help you focus your efforts effectively. A well-drafted resume for a suitable position that is followed up with persistence is a better approach for a better outcome.
[Related article: Is Your Desperation Showing in Your Job Search?]
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