Looking for work in 2014 in many ways has never been easier: The advent of online job boards, social sites such as LinkedIn and word processing software that makes it to write cover letters and resumes, have made the job search process easier.
At least that’s what conventional wisdom says.
But looking for work today isn’t as easy as it appears. Just ask anyone who says he’s sent out “hundreds” of resumes via those same online job boards with “not one interview” to show for his efforts.
Part of the problem is that too many of us think the job search is easy because of those online job boards. They believe hitting “send” means they’re looking for work Yet looking for work just via job boards isn’t really looking for work.
Read below for five common job search habits you should break starting today!
- Only searching online job boards. Your job search instead should be split into about three different job hunting efforts: a) applying for positions via the job boards, b) reaching out directly to staffing firms you’d like to work for whether they have openings or not and c) networking.
- Sending the exact same cover letter and resume to each and every job to which you apply. Every job is different – at least slightly. Why do you still insist on sending the same resume and cover letter to each one? Instead, use the word processing software (mentioned above) of your choice to craft a cover letter that speaks to your qualification and background for each job. That’s right: each job gets its own cover letter. You also should tweak/edit your resume a bit as appropriate for each position.
- Sending your application to the company’s human resources department or just hitting send on the online application. The Internet today allows you to do some research so check the company’s website to see if you can find the name of the person who is hiring the position; this person is the hiring manager. Then research to find the person’s e-mail address. Send resume/cover letter as instructed in the job listing, but you also should send your cover letter/resume directly to the hiring manager.
- Not offering value as you network. Instead of just asking your network for introductions or advice, be sure you provide introductions and information to your network. You know people they don’t know, perhaps you can arrange for an introduction. Do you see an article or blog post or job opening that may be of interest to someone in your network? Send it along. People don’t help people just because they’re in their network; people help people who help them! Become helpful even as you go to your network for advice and information.
- Not looking to staffing services to help you as you search for work. A staffing service such as Arrow Staffing can help you keep money coming in while you look for work. In addition, many temporary assignments can – and do – become regular employment opportunities.
If you are looking for temp employment in Redlands CA, contact us today.