If you’re inexperienced:
- Apply to EVERYTHING: Job descriptions are bullshit.Don’t disqualify because you don’t meet all the requirements. Companies put more requirements than they actually want to weed out bad resumes. NO ONE meets all the requirements on a job posting
- Don’t apply to the online postings if you can avoid it: Don’t use the job websites either They go to HR. HR doesn’t know what they’re doing half of the time, and the hiring managers are the ones who actually make the final decisions. Try to find the department head or the owner (if it’s a small company) either on the company website or on Linkedin.
Email your resume directly to these contacts. Most company use very similar email structures. Try to find out the company’s, and then you can figure out the email address. (jsmith@company.com, john.smith@company.com, john-smith@company.com, etc.)
Also, only email it to one person at a time. If you get the email address wrong, it won’t deliver and you won’t be embarrassed. You can just try again! - Never give a salary range when asked. Write “negotiable” on paper applications, and, if asked, just say, “My current salary is x. I know you guys are a good company, and I’m sure you’ll make a fair offer.” That way you don’t price yourself out of the job but also leave yourself open on the back end. If they really press you (probably not a company you want to work for), then give a $10k range. e.g. $40-50k.
If you’re experienced:
- Call a recruiter! Try to find an industry specific recruiter. Just do a linkedin search for the industry you work in (legal recruiter, medical recruiter, insurance recruiter, etc.). They know what they’re doing, they have a bigger book of contacts, and will usually get you more money than you can get on your own.
- Make sure you’re working with a GOOD recruiter. Bad ones will tell you you’re not allowed to submit your resume anywhere (this is bullshit) and won’t tell you what companies they’re sending your resume to (also bullshit). Always ask/demand that they run every company by you before sending it. If they seem shady, put this in an email so you’re protected.
- Ask lots of questions. From both your recruiter and the companies you interview with. It shows you’re interested, it’ll get you more information about the position to make sure it’s a good fit for you, AND it will let you know if your recruiter has no idea what they’re talking about (bad recruiter).
(from a recruiter that is sick of seeing unemployed/underemployed people on here)
csmartfx