Attention to all jobseekers... when applying to virtually any job, your application information will be received by a member of an HR team. For the record, HR stands for Human Resources. One definition of HR states that it is the department within a business that is responsible for all things worker related. That includes recruiting, vetting, selecting, hiring, onboarding, training, promoting, paying, and firing employees and independent contractors. In other words, it is the people side of a business. They thrive on interaction and were drawn to this field because of their desire to communicate with people.
With that said, HR teams have systems that will scan your resume and categorize you based upon the text of the document. This helps with identifying skills and certain background information and, at times, may immediately trigger an invitation to interview. Then again, it may mis-label you as a candidate and put you on the bottom of the pile of applications that have been received. In order to take "luck" out of the hiring equation, you need to set yourself apart from other applicants. Remember, the audience that you are speaking to is in the people business. While they do appreciate the tools to assist in sorting through resumes, they really would rather be talking to job candidates... just like you.
All that you need to do to land that interview is to set yourself apart from the others. But how? Here are four valuable tips that you need to understand when trying to set yourself apart from other job candidates.
1) One size fits none. Online job boards and technology tools have streamlined the application process. As a jobseeker, you can literally find and apply to 20+ jobs in a matter of minutes. While this allows jobseekers to feel accomplished in their job search, you must know that this method is largely ineffective. The best job candidates customize their application packet. They write thoughtful cover letters... you know, the box that says, "Please provide an introduction of yourself in this box". In fact, they probably customize their resume to match the "must have's" that were included in the job description. Remember, the hiring teams are in the people biz. When you customize your process for them, they know it and appreciate it and will remember it when it’s time to hire.
2) Please do your research. The internet literally allows you to research anything or anyone with shockingly detailed results. When applying to jobs, take at least a couple minutes to research the company that you are applying to. Learn information about the company, the industry, the size of employer. Read recent news or press releases about company announcements or product launches. You will be amazed at how much easier it is to write a customized introduction letter when you have invested some time in learning about the company. If you do land that interview, your preparation will be evident to the hiring manager.
3) You are who Google and Facebook says you are. As hiring managers dig through resumes, a natural next step in "getting to know you" is to turn to google/Facebook for more information. Have you "Googled" yourself? What results are returned? Does your Facebook page still display your college spring break photos? While social media is the ultimate example of "free expression", it also provides a live example of rational judgement, a highly coveted quality of almost any job. To land that dream job, you don't need to be an angel... the HR person reading your resume probably wasn't one, either. But you do need to demonstrate self-awareness and reason.
4) Etiquette matters. As employers, we are constantly amazed at the number of jobseekers that pull a "no call/no show" trick to a scheduled interview. Applications come in with no cover letter (despite us asking for it). Jobseekers dial into our zoom interviews 5 minutes late, sometime with a rock band T shirt on. This article is about standing apart from the other jobseekers. As crazy as this is, paying attention to the details is a big first step in this process. Many of those lessons that you learned as a youngster still ring true in your job search. Show up on time (or 5 minutes early), dress the part, and say please and thank you. As with any new relationship, gestures of respect go a long, long way.
We hope these tips are useful to you in your search for that dream job. Best of luck in your job search from HIRECLICK.
HIRECLICK provides an all-in-one hiring system to small and medium sized businesses. By streamlining the process of posting your jobs to all the major job boards and helping you to quickly sort, rate, and communicate with applicants, HIRECLICK can save you valuable time and money in your hiring efforts. Starting at only $99/mo., HIRECLICK is the HR tool that you can't live without. Learn more about HIRECLICK and take a self-guided product tour today.
