How to Revive your Job Hunt
Finding a job can be exhausting, especially if you’re not getting interest from hiring managers, and your emergency fund is quickly being absorbed. When things are not going your way, take a step back to visit with friends and family, explore the outdoors and regain your composure.
Try not to allow the negative experience to overtake your thoughts or sour your mood. You need to be your best self once the interviews start hitting your schedule. To determine the best steps to correct an unsuccessful job hunt, consider where you are in the process. Ask yourself if:
• Have you applied for numerous positions that you feel qualified for but are not gaining any interest?
• Are you in the interview process but haven’t heard back from potential employees about a second meeting or opportunity?
• Did you receive a notification that you will not be considered for multiple positions for which you have interviewed or applied?
Once you determine which stage you are currently going through, consider these tips to correct course.
When You Aren’t Receiving Interest
While applying for positions that you’re qualified for in both education and experience, the problem may be your resume or cover letter. To save time and scan candidates, many employees use an applicant tracking system to omit applications if they do not contain specific keywords or credentials.
Here are some tips to get through the software and ensure your documents find a hiring manager’s desk, as suggested by the Association for Talent Development.
• Avoid using acronyms on your resume, even if they’re well-known. The position may have the full term selected as a keyword.
• Research other postings for similar roles to find traditional skills in the industry.
• Use standard format so the tracking software can seamlessly analyze it. Using tables or misaligned text may cause problems with these systems.
If drafting a powerful resume isn’t your forte, don’t hesitate to invest in a professional writer to help you stand out in a competitive job field.
No Response After an Interview
If you feel like you were successful during an interview, but have not been contacted for further communication, your next steps are critical. Ideally, an interviewer will give you an idea of when you should expect a follow-up call. Keep in mind that if you don’t hear from them, the process may be taking longer than first conceived. Stay fresh in their mind without rushing them to contact you by writing a short thank-you letter to show your appreciation for the opportunity. If they remain unresponsive after the fact, it’s good practice to reach out with a follow-up phone call or email. When you’re informed that you didn’t get the gig, ask for their perspective on the interview and advice for future meetings. Finding out how you performed versus the expectations of a hiring manager can provide a unique way to rethink your strategy going forward.