The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Despite the abundance of vacancies, the number of candidates complaining about the lack of “normal work” is not becoming less.
Why? Job seekers are the reason: they’re looking in the wrong place and the wrong way. We’ve found the five most common job search mistakes. And we’re happy to share this information with you. So here are the top mistakes.
Search for work only in “trusted places”
More than 63% of job seekers write that they work but are open to new offers. As a rule, these professionals are quite cautious in their methods of posting resumes or selecting job openings so as not to “flag” their searches for their current jobs. Therefore, they choose only proven or anonymous ways to search.
This is not always justified. For example, if out of old memory a professional decides to inform only friends or acquaintances about their search to find a job by recommendation, as in the last time, of course, this is a more proven channel than, for example, announcements on the poles. But how many jobs are there “in the backs” of relatives or acquaintances? Wouldn’t you have to look for a job for years?
Therefore, it is better to post your resume on job sites with restricted access for employers. If necessary, communicate with recruiting agencies, or just recruiters. You can, for example, consider social networks for such communication. Why not!
Consider your resume perfect
I know many experienced professionals who, when starting their job search, find their old resume, add a line or two about the new job, and that’s it. They don’t check for errors, dates, or the fit of information. The employer wants the resume, so here it is. And after that they are not satisfied with the feedback on their “masterpiece”. As an option, they also copy parts of their job descriptions to their resumes, as if for solidity and importance.
But that’s not enough. In order for an employer to want to invite a candidate for an interview, he must see something on his resume that will make his hand reach for the phone. How do you do that? Very simple. It is necessary to tell about results of work, to describe achievements. And do it briefly, but vividly. Think about who they are looking for the position you are interested in, and become him.
Be passive when looking for work
I put together a resume on one of the job sites, posted it in several sections, and went silent waiting. Who recognized themselves in this portrait? Our verdict: it’s good, of course, but not enough. What would make the resume “work”, it should not only be constantly updated on all Internet resources, but also have 2-3 options for different specializations, or different functional areas, if you’re looking for work in more than one position.
You also need to look at vacancies for specialties that interest you, talk to the hiring managers of companies that are promising for you. Believe me, this is no longer a mauvais ton, but the realities of the market. After all, you are not asking for alms, you are looking for a new prospect to apply your skills.
Sell your needs to your employer, not your skills
Many employers are surprised when at an interview a candidate, in response to the question “what salary are you interested in,” names an amount consisting of the spending part of his budget. And they don’t talk about the cost of skills.
Young specialists are particularly guilty of this. Perhaps they do not yet understand that the employer is not ready to buy a candidate’s ability to rent an apartment, or go to clubs, but his skills, allowing this very company to earn.
Employer is interested in skills from potential candidate hard skills are very dependent an position but soft skills are pretty much the same and it is essential to acquire them: negotiation skills, people skills, learn how to use time tracking software for engineers is this a requirement for position.
Yes, some employers are willing to invest in a candidate’s potential. But for them it also means quality work functions or active participation in projects, not just an intention to work.
Turn an interview into a confession
Yes, any recruiter would like to hear the real reason for the job search instead of the expected “no growth and development” and “bored with the routine. However, there is no need to “pour out” all the unpleasant details or, even worse, gossip and complaints. Because you can afford to speak out at the interview. But there is a high probability that you will “blow it”.
Why? Because no one likes crybabies and gossipers. If you’ve worked at a company “for a hundred years, but have never been able to get a pay raise and career advancement,” then there are questions. What did you do to get it, other than ask your immediate supervisor? Were you so successful since it wasn’t you who was promoted during your many years with the company? So before you eagerly start “washing your hands” over your former/present employer, think about whether it’s more important for you than getting a job at this company. If it is, go ahead.
To summarize. Employers want energetic and proactive candidates who are not afraid of responsibility, new areas of work and are willing to take responsibility for results. Such candidates quickly become employees. Try it – you can do it!
