The Secrets Of A Successful Job Seeker

Finding a job shouldn’t be this hard, you might think after several weeks of reaching out to hiring managers with no replies. What could you be doing wrong?

Here’s another way to look at it: What are other job seekers, the ones who land jobs almost immediately, doing right?

The answers are revealed in a new survey released in March by the Career Advisory Board (CAB) survey. Based on what the survey found, here are the things successful job seekers do -- and you should, too:

Target their search.

Research and determine a few dream companies you want to target and focus on pursuing them. Carefully read job descriptions to ensure the job is right for you and you have the skills the employer is looking for. In fact, 90 percent of job seekers wanted to be at least 75 percent qualified before applying, CAB’s survey shows.

Customize their approach.

Erase “Dear Sir/Madam” from your vocabulary. Fifty-six percent of job seekers in CAB’s survey customized each cover letter they wrote to pertain to each position specifically. They also researched key contacts at the company and 67 percent messaged contacts directly for more information about the position.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specific needs of each position with your skills. Find the person hiring for the job online and reach out to them to show you’re interested in the company and role.

Keep organized.

Be fanatical about your calendar. More than half of successful job seekers used an online calendar or smartphone app to manage appointments according to CAB. They also set reminders to ensure they take at least one step to manage their job search every day.

Dedicate one to three hours to your job search every day -- 47 percent of job seekers in CAB’s survey did this. Keep a weekly to-do list, create job alerts, and set reminders to keep in touch with key contacts.

In addition, follow up in a timely manner -- CAB found it critical to receiving an offer. Sixty-five percent sent thank you emails, while 17 percent mailed handwritten thank you notes, and 16 percent called to say thanks.

Have realistic expectations.

You might not get everything you want in a offer, and that’s OK -- and the majority (61 percent) settled for an offer that was only “good enough,” whereas a lucky 21 percent received the offer of their dreams. Do some soul searching and determine your job deal-breakers and what you’re willing to compromise on.

Communicate what they have to offer a company.

Decide what sets you apart from the competition. Use keywords and specific examples of your experience to explain the unique attributes you have to offer the company. Clearly state why the company needs someone like you.

Show they’re willing to learn.

Show you’re open to new ideas and willing to learn. This personality trait is most critical in landing a job offer, according to 67 percent surveyed by CAB. Share what interests you about your industry and ask questions about the company’s initiatives. A positive outlook and the ability to learn quickly can suggest more potential for success than /work history alone.

Demonstrate flexibility.

Employers want candidates who will put in the time needed to get the job done, and sometimes that means being flexible with your schedule. Show you’re willing to adapt to quick changes that might occur within the company. Provide a few examples of times when you’ve stepped in to meet sudden needs in previous roles.

Even if your job search goes on longer than planned, don’t give up. Continue searching with these proven practices of successful job seekers in mind. Remember, your perfect role might not be available right away, so take the extra time to get to know yourself and define a clearer picture of your career goals.

What are some other tactics you’ve seen successful job seekers use? Share in the comments below!

Val Matta is the vice president of business development at CareerShift, a comprehensive job hunting and career management solution for companies, outplacement firms, job seekers and university career centers. Connect with Val and CareerShift on LinkedIn.