Important tips for job seekers
Versique — Business Perspective
Ann Boarman | December 2023/January 2024 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated February 28, 2024
Here are the main frustrations I hear from job seekers like you:
- You aren’t fully healed from the upheaval of your last job.
- You’re confused about where and how to search for jobs.
- You feel isolated searching for jobs and it’s taking up too much of your time.
- You are sending out multiple applications without response.
Being a recruiter for more than 12 years, I have insider tips to help you take some of the burden off the job search and land your next career.
Pursue quality over quantity
Are you experiencing the “black hole” of applying — sending in multiple applications to a clunky recruiting system without receiving a response?
When you apply to a role, always go to LinkedIn and find someone at that company who you have a connection with — preferably a recruiter or the leader for the role you applied to. Tell them you have applied, why you are interested, why you are qualified and attach your resume. With that message, you’re now further than thousands of other resumes. It’s even better if you can email them directly!
Build your resume and LinkedIn profile with keywords
Make the job description, resume and LinkedIn profile as “matchy” as possible.
Candidate placement is part of an algorithm, and your goal is to get to the top of a recruiter’s LinkedIn search as the closest match to the job description. Recruiters don’t have time to read your entire resume or LinkedIn profile, so make sure to put keywords at the top that include what you’re good at and what you want to do. As an example, for an Interim Controller position, use keywords such as: internal controls, accounting, financial statements, auditing and so on. Make it so obvious that they must click on you!
Develop your story
Let go of the baggage from past roles, companies and experiences. I know from personal experience that you will interview very poorly if you have not fully released the stress and negativity of what happened in your past professional life. That does not need to be shared with interviewers.
Here’s how you can prepare to show your best self in an interview:
- Develop a 1-minute elevator pitch of what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at and what you can contribute to the company and role.
- Develop a 2-minute summary of the highlights of your past professional experience. Make sure to include the same responsibilities that are listed in the job description.
Tell people you’re on the job hunt
Truly, you never know who can help you find a job. Get comfortable at least mentioning it casually to anyone you meet — not just recruiters or leaders. The ripple effect is out there, but you must throw your rock in the water to get it started.
When you do throw your rock in and ask for introductions, reciprocate the favor. Ask how you can help them, too! They’ll be shocked by this request and that’s what will make you memorable to them.
Work with a recruiter
Most people don’t know this but, as a job seeker, we work on your behalf for free!
By partnering with
Versique, you are automatically connected to more than 60 individuals who have professional and personal relationships with the companies and hiring managers you want to meet.
My team’s sole role is to get to know what you’re looking for at this stage in your professional career, then serve as your advocate to companies and find you a job!
Explore our open jobs across all industries and connect with Versique today.
CONNECT
Versique Search & Consulting
Contact: Ann Boarman, Managing Director of Recruiting, Finance & Accounting Interim Solutions
Email:
aboarman@versique.com
Phone: 952-737-6543 |
Web:
versique.com
