As a recruiter, I spend a solid chunk of my time meeting with job seekers like you. I hear you loud and clear (or actually quite muffled and defeated) that you’re frustrated, burnt out, stressed, anxious, etc. etc. etc.…the list could go on and on.
Here are the main frustrations I hear from job seekers like you:
- You aren’t fully healed from the upheaval of your last job
- You’re confused about where and how to search for jobs
- You’re feeling isolated searching for jobs alone and it’s taking up too much of your time
- You are sending out application after application and aren’t receiving any response
Please hear me loud and clear that I have been in your shoes and I empathize with your struggle. I want you to know first and foremost that you are not alone, and I WANT TO HELP!
Being a recruiter for over 12 years, I have some insider tips (that I don’t want to keep a secret!) to help you take some of the burden off the job search and land your next career.
Pursue quality over quantity
If you’re experiencing the “black hole” of job applying—sending in multiple applications to a random clunky recruiting system without receiving a response—please STOP THAT! (This is worth an all caps shout).
When you apply to a role, always go onto LinkedIn and try to find someone at that company who you have a connection with—preferably a recruiter or the leader for the role you applied to. Tell them that you have applied, why you are interested, why you are qualified, and attach your resume. With that message, you’re now further than the thousands of lonely candidate resumes just waiting to be clicked on. (Hint: It’s even better if you can find the email naming conventions from the company website and email someone directly).
Build your resume and LinkedIn profile with keywords
Do you know the kids’ memory match game where you turn over cards and try to find an exact match? That’s what I want you to play with the job description in your resume and LinkedIn profile…make them as “matchy” as possible.
Like really anything these days, candidate placement is part of an algorithm, and your goal is to get to the top of the recruiting system or the top of a recruiter’s LinkedIn search because you are the closest match to the job description. Also, fun fact (actually not so fun but very important), recruiters don’t have time to read your entire resume or LinkedIn profile. So, make sure to put the most “matchy” words at the top that include what you’re good at and what you want to do. For example, if you are after an Interim Controller position, use keywords in your resume and LinkedIn “About” section such as: internal controls, accounting, financial statements, auditing, and any accounting systems you’ve used. You want to make it so obvious that you match the job description that they simply must click on you!
Develop your story
The keyword here is “YOUR”story. Do whatever you need to let go of the baggage from past roles, companies, and experiences. Unfortunately, I know from personal experience that you will interview very poorly if you have not fully released the stress and negativity of what happened in your past professional life. That does not matter to interviewers and should not be shared with them.
Here’s how you can best prepare to show your best self in an interview:
- Come up with a 1 minute (no longer) elevator pitch of what you’re passionate about, what you are good at, and what you can contribute to the company and role.
- Come up with a 2 minute (no longer) summary of the highlights of your past professional experience. Make sure to include the same responsibilities that are listed in the job description (refer to the match game in the previous point).
Tell people you’re on the job hunt
This is a difficult one for a lot of people, because you may feel like a failure or less than because you are looking for a job. Stated quite clearly…if people believe that, then they are not your people.
Truly, you never know who can help you find a job. Get comfortable at least mentioning it casually to anyone you meet; not just recruiters or leaders. The ripple effect is out there, but you must throw your rock in the water to get it started.
When you do throw your rock in and ask for introductions, reciprocate the favor. Ask how you can help them, too! They’ll be shocked by this request…and that’s what will make you memorable to them.
Work with a recruiter
Most people don’t know this, but as a job seeker, we work on your behalf for free!
By partnering with Versique, you are automatically connected to over 60 individuals who have professional and personal relationships with the companies and hiring managers you want to meet.
My team’s sole role is to get to know all about what you’re looking for at this stage in your professional career, then serve as your advocate to companies and find you a job!
If there are only 2 things that you take away from this blog, please remember that
- You are not alone.
- There are people out there who can help you find a job!
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” —Maya Angelou
Explore our open jobs across all industries, and connect with Versique today.
