Important Tips For Job Hunting You Should Know
No matter how old you are, or what stage of your career that you’re in, job hunting is not always an easy process to endure. With ever-developing technologies, the ways in which we apply to, and interview for, jobs is changing. We must learn how to stand out in larger application pools and showcase our personalities and work ethics through online applications and resumes. Here is a list of important tips for job hunting that you should know.
Be confident in yourself and your abilities
It is easy to undervalue our achievements and capabilities, as we are always our own biggest critics. Our fears and anxieties often prevent us from simply attempting many opportunities because we do not want to fail or embarrass ourselves. Sometimes, when applying for jobs online, reading the job requirements and qualifications needed is enough to dissuade us from applying despite a strong interest in the position.
As hard as it may be, we cannot let our fear of failure prevent us from trying. If you see a job you like, and you think you would be a qualified candidate for the position (within obvious reason; don’t apply to be a brain surgeon on a whim), then apply for the position. It doesn’t hurt to get your name out there, and who knows, maybe your cover letter will persuade someone to reach out for an interview.
Don’t always settle for the first job offer
It may be tempting to leap at the first job offer you get, but sometimes it is better to test the waters and see what else is available. If you’re in desperate need for income, then, by all means, take jobs that you applied for and feel comfortable working with. Be honest in interviews if you’ve applied elsewhere and are waiting to hear back, so you don’t have to pull out of opportunities with employers who contacted you first. The goal is to choose the best opportunity available to you with the information you currently have at the time.
Apply to a handful of places
As the saying goes, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. The same goes for job hunting. Always try to apply to at least two or more places at once, unless you absolutely have your heart set out on one specific job. It is nice to have a few options to choose from, in case you don’t hear back from some places, or offers fall through. You’ll be better positioned to negotiate the best outcome for yourself too if you have more than one opportunity up your sleeve.
Prepare yourself for rejection
A hard lesson to endure while searching for jobs is that of rejection. You won’t always get every job that you apply for, but truthfully this is just as equally great as it is unfortunate. Sometimes, we find ourselves on job boards and application sites when we’re most frustrated with our current job and we can apply to jobs out of anger, desperation, or fear. Other times we simply apply for jobs we know we’ll get just to feel like we’re moving forward.
There’s a lesson to every job worked, and every job not offered. Whether we crushed the interview and just never got a call back, or our opportunity began and ended at our application, these moments all serve as lessons as we move forward and continue to apply. Never let rejection dissuade you from applying elsewhere. More often than not, it serves to get you the job you truly needed.
Ask questions during and after your interview
This tip often falls to the wayside during the interview process. We’re so worried about answering the interviewer’s questions perfectly that we forget that an interview is not just an opportunity for the employer to get to know you, but also for you to get to know the employer. It is important that you understand the company you’re about to work for, and especially the people you are going to work for. Even the most perfect job can be ruined with terrible management and work conditions. Don’t feel pressured to be selectively silent during your interview because your questions and concerns are just as important.
