How to Land a Great Job in 2018
The holidays are a crazy time full of parties, family gatherings, presents and more; all of which can be stressful. But when the smoke clears, you’re left with a new year and new beginnings, perfect for ambitious job hunters! However, January is a popular time for people to start applying for jobs, so it’s important to start that search early in order to stand out amongst all the applicants. We’ve come up with a few tips on how to land your dream job in 2018!
Fine tune your resume
Resumes could always use work and improvement, especially after you’ve added new skills to your repertoire! The end of the year is the perfect time to look back and reflect on your accomplishments; we can almost guarantee that you have some new role or task to add from a previous job that you don’t yet have on your resume.
It’s also important to tailor your resume to your field, but even more so to each job you’re applying for. Find the keywords that come up in the job description and use them in your resume. Although it sounds tedious, it shows you took the time to really research the job and it doesn’t hurt that you’ll sound like the perfect candidate!
Work on your interview game
Interviews are a key “make or break” aspect of the job search. Applicants can have an outstanding resume and work history, but end up choking in the interview, costing them the job.
Practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it sure helps! Ask friends for help with mock interviews or practice in front of a mirror to monitor your face and body language. Get comfortable talking about yourself by knowing your skills and past experience like the back of your hand.
Utilize your research skills
Research the company beforehand, this is a must! Companies want to see a commitment to the position early on. Also try to identify the person conducting the interview – if you can figure out who they are and what they’ve contributed to the team, then you’ll have a few talking points ready for those awkward silences, and make a more relatable connection. The more you know, the better; nerves will melt away the more confident you feel!
Build upon your hirable skills
The time between Christmas and New Years is often slow for companies, with some even having mandatory shut downs. Instead of taking all this time to relax, use a few days to gain new skills.
Take a look at the skills and abilities companies are looking for most; what certifications do you often see in the required section of a job listing? Take the time to do a quick online training or look into a new class you can take in the new year. Mastering those skills or becoming an expert in something new also shows a company that you’re always willing to learn and grow.
