Most people really hate applying for new jobs. The worst part of the job-search process is probably just the uncertainty of it. You could apply for a100 jobs and not hear from a single one. That’s frightening. But, most often, people hate applying for jobs because they don’t understand the modern job application process. So, we’ve compiled this list of strategies to help you improve how you apply for jobs.
Applying for jobs in 2022
Applying for a job in 2022 is nothing like how it used to be before. You don’t send a physical resume and wait for a call back anymore. Instead, you’ll automatically submit your resume through an Applicant Tracking System(ATS) online and wait till you get a reply.
An Applicant Tracking System(ATS) filters the dozens to hundreds of resumes a company receives for a job and removes the most irrelevant candidates. So, it’s vital for you to optimize your own resume for the ATS.
Hiring managers only then read your resume. Actually, they just scan it for 6 seconds on average to check the most relevant information, like your name, professional history, and education.
So, you want a concise, relevant, and ATS-optimized resume to land a job in 2022. Strategies for optimizing job application
These 10 strategies will help you optimize your job applications.
1. Focused searching
Only apply to jobs that match your skills perfectly. Doing so dramatically increases your odds of successfully being hired. For example, if you’re a graphic designer whose specialty is social media post design, you should specifically look for jobs that ask for experts in social media post design.
2. Apply using specific channels
Figure out where companies in your industry are the likeliest to recruit from. For example, do they prefer hiring candidates from LinkedIn or industry-specific job boards like ProBlogger for writers? Once you find out, focus your job searching on that requirement platform.
3. Professional and clean online profile
Sometimes, you want employers to find you instead. Many hiring managers actively look for candidates online for important positions. A professional-looking LinkedIn profile communicates that you’re motivated and competent–both are desirable qualities in a potential employee. So, having a great LinkedIn profile with good connections is an excellent way to get potential employers to approach you.
4. Optimize your profile for recruiters
Figure out where companies in your industry are the likeliest to recruit from. For example, do they prefer hiring candidates from LinkedIn or industry-specific job boards like ProBlogger for writers? Once you find out, focus your job searching on that requirement platform.
5. Easily googleable
Create short and professional URLs for your LinkedIn account and professional portfolio if you have one. You want prospective employers to easily find and remember you. Having a professional URL also greatly improves your image to potential recruiters.
A short URL is also easier to remember than a longer one. Going through the trouble of shortening your URL also shows how committed you are to your career.
6. Have company-specific resumes and cover letters
Every resume and cover letter you write should be specific to the company you’re applying for. Hiring managers always prefer and prioritize candidates that provide tailored resumes and cover letters because it shows they actually want the job.
So avoid using generic cover letters and resumes. A generic cover letter and resume shows employers that you don’t really care about their company or job. So it’s taken very negatively by many hiring managers. You don’t have to write a completely new cover letter every time but try to customize it for every job you apply for.
7. Networking
Networking is one of the best ways to land new jobs. Let’s say you find a job on LinkedIn that you really like. You should learn about the company that’s hiring. If you can, connect with the company’s leadership and their hiring manager and introduce yourself to them. If you land a positive impression with them, they’ll likely take your application more seriously.
8. Keep an eye out for job fairs
Going to job fairs is an excellent strategy for improving your chances of securing employment. Attending a job fair today and learning about different companies, networking with their leaders, and understanding their requirements will help you apply tomorrow. The job fair will help you better understand what these companies are looking for.
9. Keep an eye out on the careers page
Once you’ve found a company(s) you want to work for, regularly visit their website on social media to see whenever they have an opening. Not all companies post new jobs on LinkedIn or dedicated job boards. Some prefer to post on their own website. So, keep visiting their website and social media till you find an opening and be one of the first people to apply for it.
10. Try to become part of a professional organization
Joining a professional organization in your industry is a great way to enhance your connections, skills, and employment prospects. Depending on your industry, being part of a professional organization could be viewed as an extremely positive achievement that boosts your overall profile.
You’ll have to figure out how impactful joining a professional organization is in your field, but the odds are that doing so will provide you with significant benefits no matter what.
Ultimately, applying to jobs is about demonstrating the right skills and attitude to win over a hiring manager. You need to show that you’re objectively the best person for a position because of your experience, skills, and knowledge. And you can use the 10 strategies we’ve provided to maximize your chances of landing a job.