MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR JOB HUNTERS
Some 76 percent of full-time, employed workers are either actively looking for a new job or are open to new possibilities. Meanwhile, employers are actively looking for workers, but most of them are having trouble finding people to fill those vacancies, according to CareerBuilder.com. Why the disconnect? It's a new game with new rules. Seven must-know tips if you're looking for a new job:
1. It may take longer than you think to land the job.
The average time it takes to find a job -- from the moment a job search begins to the point of accepting an offer -- is typically at least two months. Depending on the field and location, it can take even longer, so don't get frustrated if you don't get hired right away.
2. Companies aren't done with you if you don't get the job offer.
Fifty-four percent of employers re-engage with past candidates who were not given job offers. Stay connected by joining an employer's talent network or sign up to be automatically alerted to new job openings through job sites.
3. Your resume is not enough.
More than half (53 percent) of employers say a resume doesn't provide enough information for them to assess whether someone is a good fit for the job. If you're just providing a resume, you may lose out. They want to see a cover letter, a professional portfolio where applicable, recommendations and links to social media profiles.
4. Companies are looking for skills that may surprise you.
Yes, companies want to know your work history and the hard skills associated with a particular job function. But, did you know that 63 percent of employers said one of the top questions they're trying to answer when looking for candidates is "what are their soft skills?" Make sure to highlight these less tangible skills associated with a personality such as having a positive attitude, being dependable and working well under pressure.
5. The competition may be putting in more hours than you.
On average, job seekers spend 11 hours a week searching for jobs. Are you putting in more or less time than the competition?
6. You may not work in your field of study.
One in three people (36 percent) won't work in a career related to their degree. Keep an open mind. Employers focus on relevant skills and whether or not you seem trainable enough for the job, so you probably have more career options than you imagined.
7. Employers will pay more.
With competition heating up for positions at all skill levels, two-thirds (66 percent) of employers plan to offer higher starting salaries. Job seekers are in a better negotiating position, so you want to avoid taking the first offer in most cases.
1. It may take longer than you think to land the job.
The average time it takes to find a job -- from the moment a job search begins to the point of accepting an offer -- is typically at least two months. Depending on the field and location, it can take even longer, so don't get frustrated if you don't get hired right away.
2. Companies aren't done with you if you don't get the job offer.
Fifty-four percent of employers re-engage with past candidates who were not given job offers. Stay connected by joining an employer's talent network or sign up to be automatically alerted to new job openings through job sites.
3. Your resume is not enough.
More than half (53 percent) of employers say a resume doesn't provide enough information for them to assess whether someone is a good fit for the job. If you're just providing a resume, you may lose out. They want to see a cover letter, a professional portfolio where applicable, recommendations and links to social media profiles.
4. Companies are looking for skills that may surprise you.
Yes, companies want to know your work history and the hard skills associated with a particular job function. But, did you know that 63 percent of employers said one of the top questions they're trying to answer when looking for candidates is "what are their soft skills?" Make sure to highlight these less tangible skills associated with a personality such as having a positive attitude, being dependable and working well under pressure.
5. The competition may be putting in more hours than you.
On average, job seekers spend 11 hours a week searching for jobs. Are you putting in more or less time than the competition?
6. You may not work in your field of study.
One in three people (36 percent) won't work in a career related to their degree. Keep an open mind. Employers focus on relevant skills and whether or not you seem trainable enough for the job, so you probably have more career options than you imagined.
7. Employers will pay more.
With competition heating up for positions at all skill levels, two-thirds (66 percent) of employers plan to offer higher starting salaries. Job seekers are in a better negotiating position, so you want to avoid taking the first offer in most cases.
Comments
Post a Comment