Get noticed when applying for jobs

If your resume is ready to go and you're submitting job applications, make sure you get noticed by the companies you are applying for.

1. Know what you want. Don’t look for A job - narrow down what kind of role, team, product and environment would make you happiest. List all the things that matter most to you and be very specific about it in your applications and interactions. Companies want to find people who know where they want to go and have a plan to get there. But be careful not to overachieve here, self-awareness and realistic expectations are key.
2. Make a wish list. Do your research and find the 10 companies/roles that best fit your list to spend extra time and energy on. You may end up applying for way more jobs than that, but you won’t put in the same amount of effort into all applications, so choose smartly which ones to focus on. If certain companies are a better fit for you, you’ll likely be a better fit for them too - and that’s a much easier sell. Quality beats quantity.
3. Best foot and resume forward. Your resume is your introduction to a company, so put in the love and effort to make sure you’re presenting your best self. Check my 10 resume tips (link above) to ensure your application actually opens doors. Your resume should look appealing and have concise and relevant content. 10 second rule!
4. Get on the spotlight. Get companies to notice you. Be active on their social media groups, share comments and engage with their content. Go to events and say hi. Find someone to refer you to that company directly (LinkedIn will show you which employees you’re connected to on a company’s page); often anyone who’s referred by an employee gets at least a phone call. Find out who the recruiter or hiring manager is, connect on LinkedIn and send them a message - that will often prompt them to go find your application and look at it. LinkedIn is your best friend - use it.
5. Be memorable. When interacting with a company, show your passion and your research. Share facts others wouldn’t easily know to show resourcefulness. Mention or add something that will make them remember you. If a company allows and encourages creativity, don’t be afraid to use it.