Thinking about joining the "Great Resignation" and seeking a new job opportunity? Not sure where to start? Here is the To-Do list that Revision Resume suggests to our clients:
Step 1: Think Through Your Job Requirements
What would it take for you to leave your current position? Think through your personal requirements for the new position before your start searching. Here are some items to consider:
Minimum acceptable salary
Health benefits required: Medical, Dental and Vision
Vacation time
Work location: Remote, In-House, or Hybrid
Aspects of company culture that are important to you
Work hours and number of hours willing to work each week
Education and/or job growth opportunities desired
Expectation of job roles and responsibilities
Where you want to work (which cities or states are you interested in?)
It is best to know where you stand on all of the above before you start searching for a new job. This way you won't waste time on something that doesn't fit your criteria. Often job seekers jump right into searching for job openings and end up submitting an application to a position that won't actually be a good fit because it doesn't meet their personal requirements.
As tempting as it is to jump at the first thing you see, it is worthwhile to really consider what you want, as that may modify the type of jobs you search for. And, you don't have to apply for a job in the exact same field you are currently working in or have worked in historically. Now may be a good time for a significant change to the career of your dreams instead of just applying to another position similar to what you are currently doing.
Step 2: Look at Job Openings
Now that you know what you want, you can start looking at job openings. Numerous websites exist that you can use for your search. If you are not willing to relocate, you will likely just want to search locally for openings in your area. If relocating is a possibility, widen your search to any locations you would consider.
Step 3: Prepare Your Online Presence
Once you find an opening that interests you, spend some time making sure your online presence is an accurate and professional reflection of you. It is likely that the hiring manager will search for you online, so it wise to remove any questionable material prior to submitting a resume.
It is also worthwhile to spend time updating your LinkedIn profile or any other social media you would provide a potential employer. Make sure the information is up to date, free from errors, and complete.
Step 4: Create Your Resume and Cover Letter
If you have a position identified that you would be interested in applying for, you need to create a resume and cover letter to submit. For each job a unique resume and cover letter should be crafted so that specific keywords from the job posting are incorporated. This also allows you the opportunity to show how you are the perfect fit for that particular role. Revision Resume is happy to help you with this key step. Our professional writers will make a resume and cover letter that highlights your unique skills and qualifications based on up to the minute knowledge of the hiring industry.
Step 5: Apply
Once your documentation is created (and thoroughly proofread if you wrote it yourself), you are ready to apply for the position. Follow all of the instructions for submitting your application exactly. This includes answering any and all questions asked. Avoid skipping any questions or steps in the process, as this may result in your application being discarded.
Be sure to follow specific directions for the format of the resume and cover letter that is required. It is possible an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will be sorting these documents, so if you submit a Word document but they requested a PDF, your application may not get through.
Step 6: Prepare for the Next Steps
After you have submitted your resume and cover letter, you may think the next step is to wait. Revision Resume suggests you don't just sit around waiting for something to happen. Instead consider taking the following actions:
Continue looking for job openings that interest you.
It is possible the role you applied to will actually not be filled. The budget may change or the position may no longer be needed. So, even if you are the ideal candidate, you may not get a call for an interview. Try not to get hung up on one particular job posting. Continue searching for other opportunities and write resumes and cover letters specific to those postings for submission.
Practice your interviewing skills.
When you get a call to come in for an interview, you want to be ready. Here are a few blogs with helpful tips for how to prepare for an interview. Practicing your interviewing skills is highly recommended.
Consider following up.
Waiting is difficult. If you haven't heard anything after 2 weeks, you should consider following up. If you know someone that works at the company, it is best to follow up with that person first. If not, it is acceptable to follow up via email or phone with the hiring manager. Be polite and professional. Let them know you are interested in the position and ask what the next steps of the process are.
Following the six steps listed above will help make your job search process straightforward. Should you need any assistance, Revision Resume is here and happy to help. We serve clients in the Rochester, NY region and beyond.
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