7 Steps to Landing Your New Job
When you’re in hot pursuit of a new job, it can feel exhilarating to imagine the possibilities once you’ve landed “the one”. Maybe you imagine a work environment with a great team and exciting projects, or an income that will get you on the path to more freedom and independence. Or just the feeling of becoming the person you want to be. But when enthusiasm wanes, so can your motivation. You might start to believe that the problem is your dream or goal or even you, but truthfully it’s about staying motivated. One way to keep yourself motivated is to better understand the process. I’ve compiled 7 steps in the job hunt to de-mystify what can seem like an over-whelming effort.
1. Beginning Your Search – identify jobs that are a good fit for you
Start by making a list of your technical skills (functions plus tools you use) and soft skills (personal attributes like trouble shooting and critical thinking)
Identify your ideal job title then perform searches in job search platforms. Review the descriptions for ones that have a fairly good alignment to your skills
Don’t ignore jobs that come up as “related” – see what is aligned with your skill sets
Narrow down your list further by researching the company profiles and reviews
Be realistic about job descriptions and companies that are a good fit for you and save them
Once you’ve got 5 to 8 good possibilities you can move on to the resume
2. Create your Resume – Simple, Uncluttered, Readable
Yes, customize your resume for every job you apply to – tweak, improve and customize
Keep it to one page, showcasing your impact, performance and work history
Be reachable: Include your address, contact info; email and phone #
Include Key Skills – Soft and Technical (most relevant for the job you are applying for)
Use keywords from the job description – helps get past automated filtering
Prior Work Experience: Bullet point accomplishments using pro-active action verbs to describe what you have done and your impact. For example: Managed 5 team members to create 4 email campaigns that generated 100,000 site visits and a 65% increase over previous year
Use fewer bullet points for older jobs
Include other roles if they highlight your successes that relate back to the job description
Education & Certification– oftentimes required to make you eligible for the job
Additional experience – volunteer organizations, clubs, charities, sports activities to demonstrate accomplishments related to the job
3. Create Your Cover Letter
Brief story of who you are and why you are a great fit for the job. What do you bring? What are you passionate about in working for this company in this capacity? Include something about the company that you found in your research that was particularly interesting to you
It should not be a summary of the resume
Include a call to action (job interview) – assertive but respectful.
Concise – 3 paragraphs max – no buzzwords, no embellishment
Addressing to a specific person is always best; “To whom it may concern” is not recommended; opting for a generic title such as “Hiring Manager” is OK
4. Submit the application
As soon as possible after posting date
Accept that you may have to enter the same info in an electronic format
Follow instructions!
If required, enter in salary range based on current market value
Follow up via email after 7 days with a person’s name, explaining you have formally applied to the position – possibly include a link to any of your relevant personal work
Keep track of when you have applied to which job, and when you have followed up
5. Conducting the Interview
Initial phone screening – research and expect common questions such as why you want to work for the company. This is where your earlier research done on the company is handy
Find a private, quiet place; stay focused
Be concise when answering and allow for a pause; don’t go off on a tangent
Get a sense of the company’s latest news – have a look just before the interview, and mention if appropriate
The salary range – be prepared to have an answer – “I expect competitive pay”, is a good option for response, and also to have your own questions on the topic.
Have more of your own questions ready – ie; growth opportunities, team structure, what are their favorite parts of working here? What are the next steps?
In Person – dress professionally
Practice answering questions with friends/family
Plan ahead to arrive on time
Say hello – smile!
Answer questions with evidence and anecdotes to support your assertions
In response to the question on handling conflict: acknowledge the problem, how you handled it and the outcome
In response to strengths and weaknesses, don’t be a perfectionist! Be transparent. Acknowledge weakness and how you’re working on it
Describe your strengths; have 3 to 4 ready with examples and outcomes
In response to why you’re leaving, describe what you are looking forward to as opposed to what you are moving away from
Asking questions at the end shows that you’re interested; have some ready
Video interview – quiet setting, simple background, dress appropriately
Do you still have questions? Within 24 hours, you can send a follow up email
Yes, send a thank you note – nice email or snail mail. Acknowledge that you appreciate their time, etc.
If no response in the understood time frame, assume that’s a no; move on to the next job
6. Handling the Job Offer
Usually done through a phone call
Listen carefully and take notes; determine when they need an answer
Unless everything is perfect, prepare questions for more clarity and/or negotiation
For example, clarity on what was explained about the job versus description
Negotiation on salary: Be aware of the general salary range for the job type
Could be stated as follows: “I appreciate your offer but in my research on market value it appears my worth is more in this range – is there any wiggle room?”
Back up your reasons for the number you are looking for
Alternate negotiation areas around salary: working at home, vacation days
Offer given? Read over offer letter and get clarification if you have questions
Didn’t get it? Thank them for their time – “Is there any feedback from the process that I can work on?”
You have done everything possible – congratulate yourself even if you didn’t get it. Remember there were a lot of great candidates – move on to the next job.
7. Getting off to a Good Start on the Job
In the first weeks, learn as much as possible about your job and the people you are working with
Meet with your Manager to discuss a success plan
Be personable and friendly and learn as much as possible!