When you are searching for a job, it is easy to become frustrated if things are not going your way. After you send in dozens of resumes, not getting any interview requests or failing to secure an offer can be very disheartening, leaving you to wonder what you may be doing wrong.
While there can be a number of reasons why you have yet to land a position, searching for a job the wrong way can be the cause. If you want to make sure you are using the proper approach, here are some job search tips that will get you on the right path.
Don’t Look at Employers as the “Bad Guy”
If you aren’t experiencing much success during your job search, you may be inclined to blame the companies. After all, you are battling against their process, so it is easy to assume they are setting you up to fail.
However, this mindset can be incredibly damaging. It leaves you frustrated, jaded, and angry. While their hiring process may certainly be a bit broken, avoid looking at employers as the enemy. Instead, acknowledge the companies are likely doing the best they can and try to maintain a positive attitude.
Learn to Circumvent an ATS
Many companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to screen out candidates who don’t meet specific criteria. The issue with an ATS tends to be that it isn’t highly intelligent. Instead, it skims for particular keywords and assigns your resume a score. If you are below the cutoff line, your application is never seen by human eyes.
When you submit a resume to an ATS system, you need to work with the solution. Begin by selecting the right keywords, using the exact phrases and spellings you see in the job announcement. Often, those are the words hiring managers select for screening applications, and the ATS may not be capable of realizing that variations mean the same thing as the keywords. As a result, you are increasing your odds of being screened in because you are effectively speaking the ATS’s language, playing to what the system can do and not fighting against what it can’t.
However, you also don’t have to leave it entirely in the hands of an ATS. Reach out to your professional network and see if anyone is strongly connected to the target company or hiring manager. If so, you can see if they are willing to refer you to the role, which may allow you to avoid the ATS entirely.
By using the tips above, you can make sure you are searching for a job the right way. If you would like more information about how to conduct an effective job search, the staff at CPS Recruitment can help. Contact us to speak with a knowledgeable member of our recruitment team today and see how our job search expertise can benefit you.