Jobseeker Resources - Find Your Next Opportunity

HOW DO I CREATE A COMPELLING RESUME AND COVER LETTER?

On average, you’re only going to have about 8 seconds to catch the attention of a potential employer, so here are some ways you can stand out:

1. Make your resume short, easy to read, and full of keywords from the job description. Replicating the language from the job posting is a great way to ensure you get passed the first round of applicant tracking system review.
2. Always include a cover letter that is personalized for each job you apply for. Do not simply copy and paste the company name and job title into a previously written letter.
3. Try to ‘hook’ the hiring manager right away by including a short summary of your greatest strengths as an employee directly below your name.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES?

First, ask your colleagues (current or not) if they know of any openings that you might be qualified for. It’s estimated that employee referrals account for anywhere between 30 and 50 percent of all hires.

Next, you’ll want to make your search more specific by using keywords taken directly from your ideal job description.

Lastly, if you’re still struggling to find relevant job openings, consider reaching out to a recruiter. Trained recruiters can help you find the perfect job opening in a fraction of the time.

HOW CAN I OPTIMIZE MY LINKEDIN PROFILE TO ATTRACT RECRUITERS?

It’s estimated that 87% of recruiters find LinkedIn to be the most effective platform for vetting new candidates. That said, here’s how you can stand out amongst its 900 million global members:

• Make sure your profile picture is professional but not too stiff. You want to be smiling, showing off your personality a little, but still presenting yourself as you would in the office.
• Be creative with your headline and summary. There are no rules when it comes to personalizing your profile, so you can have some fun when introducing yourself to potential new employers.
• Don’t overuse common buzzwords. Terms like “focused” and “passionate” have been used so many times, they’ve started to lose their meaning and their effect.
• Share, comment, message, and engage. Think of LinkedIn more like a professional social media site as opposed to just a recruitment tool. The more you engage with others in your industry, the more likely they are to think of you next time they hear about a job opening or promotion.

WHAT ARE BEST PRACTICES FOR PREPARING AND PERFORMING WELL IN JOB INTERVIEWS?

Tips for preparing for an interview:

1. Learn about the company. Research shows that 47% of recruiters stated they would reject candidates who didn’t have knowledge of the company they were applying to work for.
2. Review your public social media accounts and make sure you haven’t posted anything embarrassing or unprofessional.
3. Plan to wear something professional, but don’t be afraid to be a little creative with your clothing choice. That said, don’t go too wild. Over 70% of employers are reported saying they wouldn’t hire someone who didn’t show up in appropriate attire.

Tips for performing well in an interview:

1. Make eye contact, smile, and generally be polite.
2. Let the interviewer guide the conversation, but don’t be afraid to speak first and/or ask questions. Data shows 40% of recruiters won’t hire candidates who do not seem confident in themselves, so try not to be a wallflower.
3. For virtual interviews, make sure the room behind you is tidy and that you’ve removed any potential distractions—i.e. Pets, children, coffee cups, etc.

HOW DO I TAILOR MY RESUME TO HIGHLIGHT MY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE FOR A SPECIFIC JOB?

The best way to tailor your application and improve your chances of landing the job is to research the company ahead of time. Have as much information as possible about the business and your desired position, and then use it to highlight your most prevalent skills and experience. 63% of recruiters report waiting to see resumes that are personalized for their company, so research is key when tailoring your cover letters and CV.

For the interview, try using the information you found in your research to discuss how you would overcome challenges you know are more common in this new position/industry. This is a good way to subtly highlight your skills while also showing that you’re a good problem solver and you know what to expect with this new job.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCHING POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?

Here are the best resources for researching potential employers/companies:

• Social Media — The company’s social media pages may get a sense of the workplace environment. For a less curated representation, try searching the company name as a hashtag to see if any current or former employees have posted about their time working there.
• LinkedIn — Use LinkedIn to learn more about your potential future coworkers and bosses. You can also see how long the average employee has worked for that company, which tends to be a good indicator of how much people enjoy working there. Indeed and Glassdoor also offer similar research tools.
• Comparably — Comparably is a great resource when looking for information about company culture, compensation, diversity, and general attitudes towards the business.

WHAT STRATEGIES CAN EXPAND MY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK AND CONNECT ME WITH EXPERTS AND MENTORS?

Everyone knows that networking is a major contributor to one’s ability to advance their career, so here’s a list of some of the best ways to connect with industry experts and find mentors:

1. Attend events (either virtually or in-person).
2. Engage with current/former colleagues and other experts in your field on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
3. Don’t just shake hands or click ‘add friend’. Reach out to your new connections after you’ve made them to ensure that they remember you.

HOW DO I NEGOTIATE SALARY AND BENEFITS EFFECTIVELY WHEN I RECEIVE A JOB OFFER?

Effective negotiation doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but thankfully there are a few rules you can follow to make sure you’re getting the best job offer possible.

First, know ahead of time what your non-negotiables are.

Second, remember that roughly 85% of American job seekers were successful when they counter offered, receiving better benefits, better pay, or both. So ask for what you want, and don’t be afraid to decline a first offer.

Third, be prepared with justifications for your counter-offer, information regarding industry averages, and explanations for why you’re asking for certain benefits.

Lastly, highlight once again what you’re bringing to the table so your employer doesn’t forget what a valuable asset you would be.

What steps can I take to enhance my skills or pursue further education to make myself a more attractive candidate?

In this increasingly competitive labor market, you may be feeling the pressure to make yourself a more attractive candidate through continued education or skill enhancement.

But before you enroll in a masters program or take on a second job, keep in mind that there are tons of free continuing education programs out there, as well as cost effective methods of improving or widening your skill sets. Volunteering, for instance, can help advance your career in a number of ways.

Additionally, learning a new language is another way to make yourself a more attractive candidate, and you can do so for free through apps like Duolingo or watching videos online.

What are the common pitfalls to avoid during the job search process, and how can I overcome them?

According to the experts, here are the top three most common job hunting mistakes and how to avoid/overcome them:

1. naction — You’ll never get a job if you don’t apply for any, so make sure you’re actually following through. Send in the applications, follow up with recruiters, and generally just keep the ball rolling.
2. Not knowing what you actually want — Make sure you have a very clear idea in your head regarding what kind of position you want, that way you can narrow your search and only apply for jobs that are actually going to be the right fit.
3. Not utilizing all your resources — Before even starting your search, make sure you’ve utilized all your other resources. Have you reached out to your coworkers for referrals? Made new connections with desired employers on LinkedIn? Discussed a potential promotion or career advancement with your current employer?

What trends and changes in the job market should I be aware of, such as remote work opportunities or industry-specific developments?

As of 2023, here are the most important labor market trends job seekers should be aware of:

• Employers want to bring back in-person work, but remote work options are still incredibly popular with job seekers.
• The industries with the most open positions currently are Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and Professional and Business Services.
• Now that the Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age, the labor force participation rate is projected to decline more drastically over the next decade.

How do I balance the use of online job boards and company websites in my job search strategy?

Job boards and company websites serve two different purposes.

A job board will only provide you with basic information about open positions and general workplace environment. A company website, on the other hand, will give you a well-rounded view of the business as a whole.

That said, in addition to using these resources, job seekers should also utilize social media and sites like LinkedIn and Comparably to get less biased information regarding the company.

What are the key qualities and skills that employers look for in candidates, and how can I develop and showcase them?

In today’s labor market, the most in-demand qualities and skills for employees are as follows:

1. Analytical Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Interpersonal Skills
4. Leadership Skills
5. Positive Attitude

If you feel you are lacking in any of the above, there are things you can do to improve.

For skills on the more analytical/technical side, consider continuing your education.

To enhance soft skills like communication and having a positive attitude, consider practicing those skills at your current job.

If you’re still worried you’re not hitting the mark, ask for specific feedback regarding these skills from colleagues and managers. Who knows? You might even find that you’ve been selling yourself short.

What is the importance of personal branding and online presence in today's job market, and how can I build a positive online reputation?

Research shows that 92% of employers check social media, with 67% of employers stating that they use social media sites specifically to research potential job candidates. Therefore, it’s very important to cultivate a professional online presence and have a positive online reputation.

You can do this by…

1. Creating separate social media pages for your personal and professional life (keeping your personal one private).
2. Connecting with potential employers on LinkedIn before they even search for you on other platforms.
3. Making your professional account personal enough that you still seem like a real person. Nobody wants to hire a corporate robot!