If you’ve ever been through the job-search process, you know it’s not always easy. The most frustrating part of that experience is when a company rejects you and doesn’t offer any explanation.
Sometimes it’s clear that you were rejected because your skills or qualifications didn’t match what the company was looking for, but it cannot be easy to assess why you didn’t get the job. That’s where checkpoints come in. They can help guide your search by pointing out whether your resume or cover letter needs work or if there are other issues at play that might prevent you from getting hired even if those elements do improve.
1. Are You Publishing Your Resume Online?
If not, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities. The first step in using LinkedIn properly is to post your resume there.
You should also ensure that it’s up to date and that you have the most relevant information. Employers need to see how long you’ve been in the industry and what kind of experience or education you have under your belt.
Next up: Indeed. This site helps find entry-level jobs because it allows users to search for openings by company name, location, keyword, or title (e.g., “sales associate”). When searching through Indeed listings, remember which companies would best suit your skillsets and interests so that when an opportunity comes up that might be right for you, it’ll stand out among all the others.
2. Are You Utilizing Your Network?
Your network is a valuable resource for your job search. Make sure you’re leveraging it the right way by following these steps.
Start by identifying the people who can help you with your specific needs. If you’re looking for an entry-level job, contact former colleagues, professors, and other people in your field with connections.
If you want a more senior role, consider reaching out to junior colleagues at companies that interest you and mentors who helped guide your career in the past. Send them an email with specifics about what kind of support they can provide—for example, “I’m looking for feedback on my resume,” or “Do you know anyone at [company]?”
Don’t send generic queries like: “I’d like some advice on how best to utilize my network.” That shows them there’s no real hook here—you expect them to help because they know someone else who knows someone else etc.—and that kind of behavior shows poor judgment on your part as a professional candidate.
Are You Targeting the Right Companies?
You must target the right companies when ready to apply for a job. To do this, ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of company do I want to work for?
- What problems are they solving?
- How can I contribute to their mission and vision?
Once you’ve answered those questions (and before applying), check out Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Look at what other employees have said about the company and its culture on Glassdoor or LinkedIn profiles.
Would your skills fit into their team environment? You should also consider whether the organization aligns with your values and professional goals.
Ensure You Are Doing The Right Things At Each Stage
The job search process is complicated. You must do the right things at each stage and be consistent, persistent, patient, and organized. You also need to remain flexible if you want to get hired.
The job search can be frustrating but keeping these checkpoints in mind will help ensure you’re doing everything possible to find your next gig. Remember online publishing and networking–and always be on the lookout for new opportunities with companies whose values align with yours.
