Winning The Job Hunt

20 July 2010 View Comments

Tyler Durbin is the lead author and editor here at GenYJourney.com. Tyler shares his daily experiences as a recent college grad and young professional in order for those following the same path to learn from his mistakes and triumphs. Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerDurbin

It’s tough, competitive and sometimes heartbreaking. It’s today’s job hunt and while it seems that – economically – things are stabilizing, a surge in job creation will likely be the last thing we everyday people experience. That doesn’t mean there aren’t jobs available and that you aren’t talented enough to land them. It’s tough. But it’s do-able! Let’s take a journey down the path of landing one of these jobs…

Connect

Things have really changed in the job hunt game. From my perspective as a recent job hunter, I really don’t think anyone has it figured out yet. Companies having seemingly abundant options to post jobs (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, online job boards, etc.) and candidates have to identify and navigate all these options to connect with the job they want. The first step in emerging victorious in your job hunt is being able to connect with the right job…The one that you are most qualified for and have the best chance of landing.

Do some exploring. Check your company out on their social networks and keep up to date on their websites job board as well as other online Job Boards (i.e. Monster.com, Yahoo! HotJobs). Check out local job fairs, as well, to find employment in your area.

When speaking with recruiters at a job fair, treat the interaction like an interview by asking questions and stressing your qualifications. Remember, the recruiters are your gateway to landing an actual interview. Take advantage of your time with a recruiter.

Apply

After submitting your resume for a position, (if you haven’t already done so) begin keeping notes and clipping articles about the company, the industry and their competitors, so that when the call comes, you are ready with background knowledge and relevant conversation topics.

Even the smallest amount of information presented will make you stand out. For example, knowing that the company’s stock has recently soared (or that a competitors dropped) creates a sense of “we” among you and the company.

Call

In phone interviews, the recruiter isn’t always listening for specific answers but more about how you actually answer. This is an opportunity for them to hear how you handle yourself (especially while on the phone with a potential client). Are you confident, poised, persuasive and informational?

When asked questions, be sure to answer them fully. If you are unable to formulate an answer when initially asked, don’t be afraid to re-address the question later in the interview. The recruiter will appreciate your honesty and effort.

Be mindful of your surroundings during a phone interview. Typing, voices in the background, music or even fumbling through papers will give the impression that you are either not paying attention or unprepared. Don’t screw yourself.

Interview

I hate to look too much into things but when you are interacting (and interviewing) with a company, you can’t take anything for granted. I was once told by hiring manager for a Fortune 100 company that they liked to walk candidates through the office. They were looking to see how they interacted with others outside of the interview and if they could hold conversations and build relationships with people they just met.

Don’t be afraid to ask people about their jobs, why they work at that company and what their experiences have been. Don’t limit the people you interact with, either. I like talking to everyone, security guards, janitorial staff, receptionist, etc. Imagine how impressive it is when the interviewer walks you to the door and the janitor tells you “Goodbye…nice to meet you!” Powerful? I think so…

Follow-Up

Keep in touch with the company after the interview. Be sure to set the expectation of when you can expect to hear back from them, when it’s OK for you to follow-up and the best way to do so.

If the process is taking longer than expected, ask to come back in to discuss the position and your qualifications. Using a setback in positive way will set you apart from all other candidates.

What are you experiences in the job hunt? Have you been successful by employing other methods? Please share!