Not landing the job you want? How can you change your luck? Stop what you’re doing and make some changes; you may be surprised by the results.
1. Don’t apply for positions if you are overqualified. While you may assume that having more than the necessary qualifications will help you land a job in a tough job market, the opposite is likely true.
2. Create a resume focused on your future job. Make sure your resume highlights details relevant to your target opportunity, and that it isn’t just a rundown of your past work history.
3. Stop assuming. Most likely, a computer will conduct an initial scan of your application materials. Even when a human reviews your resume, studies show you will receive a cursory, 10-second or less, review. Recruiters will not give you credit for accomplishments you do not highlight in your materials.
4. Start talking to people you don’t think can help you. Especially in today’s “connected” world, when just one or two “links” may separate you from the person who has the authority to hire you, you never know who will be your next key connector.
5. Don’t tell everyone you’re looking for a job. Instead, be subtle and let your circles know about your skills, accomplishments, and goals without wearing a metaphorical “J” for job seeker on your chest. It’s a fine line between keeping everyone aware of your job search and becoming a nuisance at parties and networking events, but you can strike a balance.
Read all the advice on my blog at U.S. News & World Report.
photo by by @Doug88888