It’s hard to believe that 2018 is right around the corner. With all the changes in technology, recruitment, and a diverse workforce with increasingly progressive HR policies, what can the average job seeker expect in 2018?
Oddly enough, we suspect that the old tricks are still the best tricks.
Job seekers in 2018 need to remember now more than ever, your job application does not stop after you send your resume. You still need to show dedication in order to claim a job post. Enumerated below are some of the things to remember that can help you in your job-hunting journey.
Practice interviews.
Despite an impressive resume, you still need to prove yourself in person. What good would written words do if you can’t act like it in person? Polish your interaction skills and practice for an interview. Try answering different prompt questions that you can find on the Internet and look for the best way to answer them.
However, only use those answers as a guide. Make your own version of responses that can catch attention in a positive way. Personalize your answers and avoid generic pitches. Practice saying your possible answers out loud. This can help in your pronunciation and boost your confidence. Think of possible follow-up questions and prepare an answer for each scenario.
Ace that interview.
Perform the common courtesies upon meeting the interviewer. Choose your words well. Say the things that can make an impact to your potential employer. Make your answers unique and interesting. Show personality in your responses and present yourself in a pleasing manner. Be mindful of your posture during an interview. Your appearance and the way you carry yourself are other factors that can affect your application. Don’t panic, but rather try your best to reply in a calm and collected manner.
Avoid being monotonous when answering. Proper intonation and facial expressions can also help in securing a job post. Try to act confident and professional during the interview. Avoid slang terms and swear words in answering. Even if an interview may look casual and conversational, be responsible and be mindful of your surroundings. You want to enter a professional company, so try and act like you deserve the spot. Observe the facial clues and indications of the interviewer, and then act accordingly.
Gratitude can help.
Sending a thank-you note or an email after an interview can show your sustained interest in the job. It will display your gratitude and your enthusiasm to maintain contact with the company. Remember that skills are not the only basis for employment. Your personality can also affect the overall outcome of a job application.
Make a follow-up call.
When you have finished an interview but received no reply after a considerable number of days, make a follow-up call. You may not be the only applicant for the post, so the initiative of a follow-up can give you an advantage over your competition. Choose the appropriate time and location for making this call. Make sure that it is office hours so that your inquiry can be entertained.
Introduce yourself and inquire about the status of your application. Keep your tone friendly and engaging. Say your piece and keep it brief. Creating an outline of what you want to say can also help. Preparedness is essential in this type of communication.
Be responsive to potential employers.
Make sure that your resume contains your correct and updated information. Always be ready for possible calls from potential employers. Familiarize yourself with the contents of your resume. Take your call in a quiet place and away from things that can distract you. Answer any inquiries politely, regardless of the mode of communication used.
Don’t be afraid of failure.
Don’t be discouraged by rejected applications. Instead, take note of the reasons for the rejection and work on them for improvement. Practice your way around interviews to create a strong impact. A rejected submission does not mean the end of your career. Make the rejection your drive to try harder. Learn from your mistakes and avoid repeating them.
