The job application process is often standardized.
As a job seeker, you come across questions you must answer, a process already set in place, and key people you’re supposed to connect with. All of these forced steps can make you feel powerless in your job search.
But when it comes to something as personal as your future career, you must find ways to take control. Having control means going beyond the traditional, mundane job application process. From the resume to networking, to proving you have the value employers need at their company, we have the tips that will get you noticed.
Here’s how you can go beyond the job application process and regain control of your job search:
Power up your resume
During the job application process, most recruiters will give your resume a quick glance. Within those couple of seconds, they determine whether or not you immediately show signs of being a good fit for their open role.
The ultimate way to take control of your job search is to rev up your resume to ensure recruiters will actually read it and recognize they just have to meet you. Follow these steps to power up your resume:
Show them what you’ve got
“I’m a great collaborator.”
“I’m innovative and follow through on every project I start, no matter the challenges.”
These are both great statements. In reality though, anyone could Google the top keywords to put in a resume and write them down. Your resume must show and prove what you’ve accomplished.
Recruiters want you to share the facts. Tell them you spearheaded a project and directed your team through the collaboration process. Or how you were promoted in every role you had because of your perseverance.
Make your skills scannable
To pass the quick-scan test, your skills must be listed at the very top of your resume or along the side with a clear label. The more your skills immediately stand out, the fewer time recruiters spend attempting to find them within your work history.
As always, the skills you list must align with the specific role you’re applying for.
Make it an easy read
Small, hard-to-read fonts make it challenging for recruiters to effectively assess your resume. If you’re like some job seekers, a smaller font is a tactic to shove as much information into the job application process as possible.
Keep your font no smaller than size 11 and use a traditional font, like Arial or Times New Roman. If you find font size 11 too large to fit all of your experiences and qualifications, it’s time to start cutting. Adding only the most relevant details makes your resume easier to read and your qualifications more apparent.
Move to the top of the networking game
At this point, we all have networks. From LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to personal and professional connections, you have some form of network.
The size of your network, however, isn’t what matters. It’s understanding how to build and use it strategically to create relationships that will help you take control of your job search. Some candidates have already figured this out. In fact, in a January 2019 Civic Science survey, the majority of job seeker respondents (31%) found their most recent job through networking.
To make recruiters and other decision-makers notice you outside of the job application, here’s what you need to do:
Create a strategy
The process of networking should be focused on a strategy. Connecting with people here and there without rhyme or reason won’t help you meet individuals who will help you reach your career goals.
Start by identifying your career goals:
- What are you looking to accomplish?
- Why are you sending out job applications to specific opportunities?
- What’s important to you right now?
- Where do you see your career in the next five years?
Then, identify your motive for connecting with specific people:
- What is their title or role?
- How will they help you reach your goals?
- Are they connected with other people already in your network?
Make an impression by being yourself
As you begin connecting, it’s important to make an impression. You want to remain authentic to yourself while doing this or else you could lose the connection or earn an employment opportunity that isn’t actually right for you.
Focus your energy on things you’re both passionate about. Ask questions; offer advice; and share social posts, videos, or articles that pertain to your similar interests. Also, don’t be afraid to get personal. If you’re both parents or both have a love for art, spend some of your time connecting on those deeper, more meaningful topics.
Write a personal value proposition
A value proposition is a promise of what’s to be delivered. Companies use these as memorable catchphrases to grab the attention of their target consumers.
Slack’s value proposition, for example, is “Be more productive at work with less effort.” Marketers for the company understand that in a complicated world, leaders want to make communication at work as effortless, fun, and productive as possible.
Now, a personal value proposition is similar in that it conveys the value you will bring to a company. The goal, just like in marketing with consumers, is to catch employers’ attention and convince them to choose you over every other job applicant.
Here’s an example of how you can create your own value proposition:
1. What are your key skills?
Let’s say the skills you want to highlight for a specific job are that you’re detail-oriented, organized, and determined.
2. What do you do with those skills?
With those skills, you could respond to emails in a timely manner, handle the stress of a fast-paced environment, and always look for solutions to problems.
3. What value do you bring to the company?
All of these factors can deduce to the personal value proposition of:
Bring me on board so that you can focus on quickly growing your business instead of stressing about emails going unanswered, feeling like you’re the only one who can handle problems in the moment, and responding to customer inquiries.
Creativity is important in creating your value proposition, but it should never trump clarity. Whether it’s on your LinkedIn page, a quick phrase in your email signature, or on your job application (or all three), all employers should be able to read it and immediately understand your value.