Applying for jobs is stressful. The future of your career lies in a couple of job applications and all you can do is hope that someone sees potential in you. For most people, being on the job hunt means having to face a lot of rejection. The job you thought you were perfect for might just end up not being the job for you.
But, as discouraging as the job hunt can be, it’s important to stay optimistic. The right job is out there! You just have to keep looking for it. So if you’re looking for a new job, check out these 4 things to know when applying for jobs:
1. Network as Much as Possible
Sometimes, just sending out a couple of job applications online isn’t enough. You have to network. Networking is key when you’re searching for a new job. Networking shows that you’re committed to the field and truly interested in the company. It’s also a great way to find out about job opportunities you wouldn’t have seen online. There are many great sites for networking, so get your laptop and get to it!
2. Make Sure Your Experience Checks Out
It doesn’t matter how badly you need a job or how qualified you think you are, never lie on a resume. Lying on a resume is just going to make things worse for you in the long run. So that being said, it’s imperative to make sure your experience checks out.
Most employers will run a background check prior to hiring to verify that the candidate is who they say they are. A background check will show your employment history, criminal record, credit history, and more.
Why do employers check your credit, you ask? There are many reasons. Checking an employee’s credit reduces risk in the workplace and assesses their financial responsibility—both of which are important to be aware of when hiring someone, especially if it’s for a position where they’ll be handling company money.
3. Write a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are going to be the first things a future employee will see. It doesn’t matter how strong of an interviewer you are—if you don’t have a good resume and cover letter, you won’t even make it to the interview stage.
Keep your resume simple and straightforward and make sure you get your point across. You want an employer or recruiter to read your resume and think, “Wow, we need to meet with them.” If you need help with writing a strong resume, there are various resume templates you can use to help you get started.
4. Be Patient
Patience is key during the entire hiring process. The time from when you click submit to when you accept the job offer can take weeks. Although it might be tempting to reach out to the employer, try your best to be patient. You’re not the only candidate they’re interviewing!
You need to give them time to interview all the other candidates before reaching out. The job search process can be a long and arduous journey, but being patient will make the whole experience a little bit easier.
There’s no doubt that applying for jobs is difficult. You spend all day refining your resume and cover letter and submitting it to countless companies. So when you open your inbox the next morning to no new emails, you’re likely going to feel discouraged. But finding your perfect job takes time. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight.
Be patient and optimistic and the right job will come your way. And, in the meantime, check out these 4 things to know when applying for jobs.
