By Finding a job can be quite stressful, and it is, therefore, essential to know what to do when an opportunity arises. To be ready, the following are some of the things one can do in preparation for getting a job.
Self-critique and evaluation
Take some good time alone in a quiet place to think of your strengths and shortcomings and identify your passions and aspirations in a particular career. Identify the top skills that you feel more comfortable with and those skills that you need to work on seriously.
Having a self-evaluation before applying for a job will help you recall your most outstanding achievements that helped your previous organization meet specific goals and objectives. As a result, this will give your potential employer an insight into your strengths and your previous achievements.
Writing a resume
Write a resume that stands out from the others since it is an important document that gives a summary of a candidate’s work experience, accomplishments, and education. Beware that a well-constructed resume is one of the most important aspects that employers look for when looking for potential candidates in various fields.
To create a unique and robust resume, look for a professional in the field, you desire to have a close look over the resume you have written and work on the feedback given. Write your resume in a chronological order having the most recent accomplishments and work experience coming first.
A chronological resume, in this case, provides a potential employer with a quick and organized overview of the applicant’s work experience and institutional knowledge.
Writing a cover letter
Moreover, consult with a professional in the Career Service for guidance on how to construct a good cover letter. A cover letter, in this case, introduces and highlights your main accomplishments that fit a specific job and shows the potential employer the kind of job you’re seeking.
Ensure that the first paragraph of your cover letter is strong enough to encourage your reader to continue reading the rest of the letter. Your cover letter ought to highlight your most recent skills and credentials missing in your resume.
Illustrate and show your potential employer how your qualifications properly fit the position that you are applying for. Furthermore, explain how the mentioned qualifications will bring value to the company.
Importantly, do not include negative information about yourself in the cover letter. Only concentrate on the positives. Be brief and precise in your cover letter and write it on a single page since most employers do not have time to read many pages of the cover letters they receive.
End your cover letter on a strong professional note, and remember to proofread it to look up for typos and mistakes you may have made.
Personal contact information
In your application letter, remember to provide your personal contact information, including your cell phone numbers and email addresses. This will ensure that potential employers can reach you at any time.
Read More: Job Interview – After the Interview
Research about the target company
Before the interview, do some research about the company and know their vision and mission statement. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the company’s history and the specific locality it is situated. Getting to know about the company’s annual reports, profile, and achievements will indicate to your prospective employer that you are interested in the organization.
Engage in mock job interviews
It is crucial to know what to expect in a meeting and practice beforehand.
Try to perform a mock-interview before a professional career counselor to build confidence and to review your skills. Furthermore, attend practice interview programs to meet with real recruiters and employers and to give you a chance to practice and review your interview skills.
With a mock-interview, it will significantly help you learn how to tackle possible questions in the interview. Consequently, you will be able to master interview strategies and improve your communication skills. As a result, mock job interviews will highly reduce your stress before the real job interview.
Maintain an online presence
Create or updated your LinkedIn profile and make it an invaluable resource for you to post your qualifications and achievements. Ensure that the information posted on LinkedIn, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, and other social media accounts is accurate since prospective employers can easily access it. In this case, having an outstanding profile will allow employers to review your available resume and give you alerts for a new job or even introduce you to different professionals who might require your skills in their own companies.
Frequently check your email accounts after you submit an application letter for a particular job.
It is advisable to send a follow-up email a few days after submitting the job application form since emails are quite convenient and can be read by potential employers at any time and responded quickly. Moreover, in your follow-up email, always begin with greeting your potential employer by name using titles such as Mr. or Ms. to show that you are respectful.
However, if you don’t know your potential employer’s name, address your follow-up email to the Hiring Manager or the Human Resource Manager of the company.
Also, in your follow-up email, mention the job position you had applied for by name and briefly highlight your qualifications. Remember to use polite language.
Investing in professional clothing
Invest in quality professional attire since the appearance, and the first impression matters a lot. A professional outfit will significantly ensure that you make a memorable and strong impression on the hiring manager during an interview.
Dress in a way that is professionally acceptable and appropriate to the position you had applied for. In most professions, wearing a suit is appropriate. This includes wearing a matching jacket and pants with well-coordinating shoes and socks. It is advisable to wear comfortable and well-fitting dark-colored suits with light-colored shirts.
Also, the clothing worn ought to be clean and neat and ensure that you shower in the morning before you attend the interview. Wear a mild deodorant and brush your teeth to have a fresh breath. Make sure that your hair is neat and clean.
