Job search rules have changed over the years. If you’re not up on the latest trends, you could be missing out. Rethink your job search.
People may become trapped in a rut and get nowhere, repeating their actions and hoping it will work out. Remember what Albert Einstein supposedly said? “Same deed, different result.”
Job seekers who repeat the same wrong actions – use resume objectives, fail to network, neglect to research the hiring company – are setting themselves up for failure. That includes not being on top of the latest job search trends.
Use a Headline, Not an Objective
I’ve been a proponent of headlines on resumes for years. The reason is apparent. Headlines tell employers what they get. At the same time, objectives tell them what you want. Now, which do you think they are more interested in?
Frankly, employers are looking to fill their needs, not yours. That doesn’t mean they aren’t concerned about what you want in a job. Employee satisfaction is essential to employee retention. However, they’re counting on the fact that you’d be satisfied to land a job. Retention comes later.
Use the 85% Rule
Have you ever seen a job post that sounds right up your alley, but you’re missing one essential quality or skill? According to Larry Buhl’s Denver Post article, “No more hard-and-fast rules in today’s hiring atmosphere,” if you fit 85% of what the job post is requesting, send in a resume.
Presumably, the idea behind doing this is two-fold. First, even if you don’t measure up, you can learn. Second, you probably have other skills and qualities. These can be either substituted for what’s missing or added a new dimension the employer didn’t consider previously. Just remember, it’s up to you to sell them on this idea.
Be Prepared to Discuss Salary
There has been a long-held belief that job seekers should never divulge salary requirements because employers will somehow use this information against them. Well, now is the time to dispel your fear.
The Jobuza article, “The Starting Salary Negotiation Game and How Everyone Can Win,” explains that the most critical first step job seekers can take concerning salary is establishing a minimum. Buhl’s article suggests that another vital strategy is to offer a salary range, ensuring the low end is what you want. The reason? That is what employers will offer.
If you’re uncertain how to determine your salary range, read “Know the Right Salary or Wage a Job Should Pay.”
Follow Up is Essential to Job Search Success
If you remember nothing else, remember this. Even though the interview is over, your job search will go on. Therefore, until you receive and accept a job offer, you need to continue doing everything in your power to keep your interest in your candidacy alive.
First, once the interview is over, send a great “thank you” letter. It is not passé; it is essential to identify you as a quality candidate. It also gives you the chance to reaffirm why you are the candidate of choice and what you have to offer. It also allows you to correct or clarify any issues.
Finally, if the company selects another candidate, it doesn’t mean your chances of being hired have ended. You still have a lot to offer. You need to make sure they know that.
While many employers don’t take the time to notify jobseekers when a position is filled (it’s like breaking up, it’s easier to stop calling), latch on to any that do. That’s where you want to work. Send a follow-up letter reminding them you are interested in other opportunities. Keep in touch by sending the occasional email. Include something of interest – a report, an article. Now is your chance to network.
Whether you realize it or not, looking for work has changed radically over 25 years. So naturally, you need to be sure to rethink your job search, so you are playing by the latest rules.
