As much as the job search process changes with the advent of new technologies (some for the better, some for the worse) the basics stay the same. It’s important not to overlook basic job tips, no matter how straight-forward or obvious you might think they are. Master all the basics before you get more detailed with your approach and you’ll start on solid footing. Here are 7 back-to-the-basics job search tips everyone looking for work should know and follow.
apply to jobs even if you don’t have 100% of the qualifications
No one expect you to have 100% of the qualifications listed in the job description. Many companies list more than the actual requirements of the job. More often than not a lot of the qualifications are “nice to have” – hiring managers are describing their ideal candidate, not necessarily the person they’ll eventually hire. As a general rule, if you have about 70% of the qualifications, the job is worth applying to. Most companies have an understanding that there will be certain skills or areas where you will need to learn on the job. It’s up to the hiring company to decide if they think you’re a good fit, even if you don’t have 100% of the qualifications listed. If you’re not sure, apply and let them make the call, rather than stressing yourself out.
stop worrying about rejection
Rejection is an everyday part of the job search process. You hear ‘no’ a lot more than you hear ‘yes.’ Keep in mind that you only need to hear yes once to land your dream job. Just 1 in 50 applicants scores a job interview following an online application. So, the odds are stacked against you. Hearing no, or more likely, hearing nothing back from a company you were interested in working for doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or your qualifications. You don’t know who you are up against or exactly what the hiring company is looking for. Rejection is standard part of the process. It’s not about you. Keep applying and the right opportunity will come along!
your linkedin profile is just as critical as your resume
Is your LinkedIn profile optimized and up to date? It needs to be! 97% of recruiters use LinkedIn as a critical research tool. Many take a look at your LinkedIn profile before they even get a chance to read your resume. Therefore, LinkedIn has become just as important as your resume. Make sure it’s up-to-date. Is your profile photo a good likeness that represents you professionally? Are all your latest accomplishments and competencies accounted for? What about volunteering or listing your skills? Aim for LinkedIn’s ‘All-Star’ ranking for a complete profile. One of the great things about LinkedIn is it can be a lot more detailed and specific than your resume. So LinkedIn is a great place to put all the extras that won’t fit on your resume like your portfolio or examples of your work, long-form descriptions of previous roles, or collect endorsements from colleagues.
don’t forget to highlight your soft skills
Soft skills continue to become more important and sought after by hiring companies. As we head into a future where technical skills are commonplace and expected, soft skills are becoming a point of difference. People want to work with good people. They want to work with people who are down to earth, easy to talk to, organized, and collaborative. Display your soft skills during the interview to come across as more human and likable.
don’t share your salary history
Some things you should keep close to the vest. Your salary history is one of them. We all want to get an increase in pay when we get a new job. So, always focus on your target salary for your next role, not your past earnings. If a hiring company asks you about your salary range, tell them what you would like to make, not what you are currently making now. Remember, salary is negotiable. Never reveal the lowest salary you’d accept. Keep the focus on your potential within the company and the value you bring that makes you worth your ask. Also, bring market data and research about average salaries in your profession and location to further back up your statements. Our salary guide is a helpful resource for this!
be authentically yourself in job interviews
Be yourself. Yes, it’s the ultimate basic advice, but often overlooked by many candidates. Don’t try to be the person you think a company wants to hire. If they hire you, this is who they will expect to show up on day one for the job. Just be you. If they don’t want to hire the authentic you, the job won’t be a good fit.
always send a thank you note after an interview
Be gracious. Always send a note to the interviewer, thanking them for their time and the opportunity. A quick email will do the trick. It’s a low effort task, but with a potentially high payoff. It will help you stay top of mind and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Are you thinking about making a career move? Looking for a new job? Don’t overlook basic job search tips. It’s easy to overlook the simple things. It can also be a simple oversight that gets you disqualified from the running for a job.