If you are looking for a new job or promotion, there are several things you can do to maximize your chances of getting picked over the competition. Find out what they are below.
Write a killer cover letter
First of all, to boost your chances of getting the job you want, you will need to have a killer cover letter. This is because your cover letter is what gets you considered in the first place, so you must put some time and effort into getting it right.
When writing your cover letter, one of the most important things to remember is that it needs to be crafted specifically for the job that you are applying to. It’s not enough to simply summarize your resume. Instead, you need to show your potential employer that you are genuinely interested in their business and that your personality, as well as your qualifications, are suited to their team.
Match your resume to your job description
Everyone has a master resume that acts as a foundation for the ones they send out. Yet, having only one version and sending that to every potential employer is a bad move. After all, not all jobs, teams, and hiring companies will be the same, so customizing your resume to what they are looking for is vital.
Instead, you will need to match your resume to the job description. Think of it as a similar process to sales, where instead of just listing the features of a product, you clarify the specific benefits to the customer (in this case the potential employer) as well.
Dress smart
Next, when it comes to the interview, it’s always best to dress smart. Even if the business you are applying to has a casual dress code. This is because it shows you are serious about the interview and are investing in getting the job.
For guys, this means dressing in suits wherever possible. Fortunately, you can find a whole wealth of smart suits online at a very reasonable price. Something that means you can show up to your interview looking smart, without breaking the bank.
Suits work for women too, although the rules tend to be slightly less tricky with a blouse and trousers or a skirt also being acceptable. Just be sure to dress in a business-appropriate manner and you will make the impression you want.
Update your social media profiles
If you think that a potential employer won’t bother to check your social media before offering you an interview or job, then you are sorely mistaken. Indeed, your social media is a great source of information that would otherwise not be available to them such as how you live your life outside of work.
With that in mind, be sure to edit your social media profiles, removing any negative comments about previous employers, and any evidence of irresponsible behaviors. Where possible set your personal social media accounts to private and open a professional social media such as LinkedIn where you can get others that have worked with you to leave you references that will show you in a good light.