How to Land Any Job
Want to level up your interview skills and position yourself to land any job you want? Here is all the advice you need to get going.
WHEN I DECIDED to leave my job in finance 3 years ago to become a career and leadership coach, I never imagined myself as an essential worker. But during the pandemic and the ensuing Great Resignation, people are making pivots from job to job and career to career. I’ve become the ultimate job search Sherpa, guiding my clients toward career moves that marry their passions with their lifestyles. If you want to make a change but not sure where to begin on your journey, here’s where to start:
REVAMP YOUR RÉSUMÉ AND LINKEDIN PROFILE.
There’s nothing worse than getting the “thanks, but no thanks” response within minutes of your online resume submission. Most companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) as the first line of review to suss out key words on résumé before it gets to a human. To get through the ATS, be sure key aspects of the job description are reflected on your résumé. Always quantify results of your accomplishments to demonstrate your value. Remember it’s OK to have multiple versions of your résumé based on the types of opportunities you maybe exploring.
As for LinkedIn, it’s an important tool that you shouldn’t overlook. There was a period of time that I avoided LinkedIn, but I quickly learned that I was missing opportunities to get noticed by potential employers. Think of LinkedIn as free marketing. And when you’re updating your profile, think beyond the profile pic. How you present yourself will help you stand out.
FIGURE OUT WHAT REALLY LIGHTS YOU UP.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, look back at your experiences and define both the contributions you’re most proud of and the ones that make you want to get out of bed. This exercise is especially valuable when you find that you’re not happy in your current role. It will help you figure out if you are running away from something or truly running toward something. For example, if you’re running away, you may love what you do but your manager or organizational culture may not fit your values; if you’re running to something, there’s a good chance you’re proud of the work you’ve done but it’s time to move onto the next challenge.
LEVERAGE YOUR NETWORK.
Applying for jobs online isn’t the only way to get noticed by employers. Research suggests 85 percent of positions are landed via networking connections, whether it’s with someone you already know, a referral, or someone you admire in a similar role to the one you want. Oftentimes, jobs aren’t even posted. That’s why it’s important to always cultivate your network—especially when you’re not actively on the job hunt. You never know when the next dream job will pop up just from catching up with contacts. Make it a point to stay connected and put yourself out there to people you don’t know.
DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Once you’ve distilled the types of opportunities that fuel your passion, develop a target list of roles and potential companies that align to your interests and values. Search LinkedIn and company career sites to not only explore what types of opportunities exist, but evaluate the commitment to inclusion and diversity and the types of employee benefits they offer. What’s their on-site and remote work approach? This research will also make you an informed candidate during your networking and interviewing process. Recruiters and hiring managers appreciate the extra effort candidates put in to understanding the company’s mission and values. Your research will also help you develop questions for your prospective employer, to see if it is a mutual match. Don’t forget, you’re interviewing them, too!
