When you’re in the midst of the job search process, you are probably asking yourself how you can become more hireable. Standing out against the competition is sometimes more important than the skills and experience you have listed on your resume.
Stop thinking about how you can show businesses why they should hire you. Instead, focus on showing them why they can’t afford not to hire you.
Here are some helpful tips for raising your hiring potential.
Modernize Your Resume
Your resume is often your first impression in a job searching scenario. Hiring managers will make a decision within 6 seconds of seeing your resume. It’s that split-second decision that determines whether they keep reading to learn about you or toss your application in the trash.
Use an online resume builder to guide you through the process. By using a template, you’re ensuring that your resume fits with modern trends and formats. Online tools can help you highlight your skills and craft a professional summary that makes you more likely to be hired. Here’s a great place to get started, that’s your modern resume and a job pool all in one. If you prefer being notified about all new possibilities using an app is just for you, you can try it out here.
Learn New Skills
Never underestimate the power of upgrading your skills. Look at job postings in your industry and identify overarching themes in qualifications and requirements. Don’t just look at the education and years of experience component. Dive deep into the bonus qualifications and skills the company lists as added benefits.
Use online courses like Udemy and Coursera to learn new skills. Many of the Ivy League schools also list their course material online so that you can learn from the masters.
Suggested Article: 30+ Places to Learn New Job Skills for FREE!
Audit Your Social Media
In today’s connected world, your social media accounts are open for business. Expect potential employers to take a look at who you are online before they call you for an interview.
One of the easiest ways to increase your hiring potential is to audit your social media. Delete any risque images or inflammatory content and comments. Don’t make the mistake of changing your privacy settings and calling it a day. There are a lot of businesses that require you to add them to your social media before they hire you so that they can take a detailed dive into your profiles.
Be sure to also check what your profiles look like when you are signed-out of your account. This will show you exactly what the public sees when they look at your accounts.
Throughout this process, start revamping your profiles and descriptions to touch on your work experience and passions. Share industry-relevant content and position yourself as an expert in your field.
Work with an Interview Coach
If you have a strong resume but fall to pieces when you get called for an interview, you aren’t alone. The unfortunate truth is that in most cases, your interview will be more of a determining factor than your resume. Someone who interviews better than you is more likely to get the job.
Schedule some time with an interview coach to help you practice. They’ll help you plan for commonly asked questions and show you how to highlight your strengths and value. An interview coach can provide constructive feedback and leave you feeling prepared.
You don’t have to pay to get help with your interview preparation. Most career centres, adult learning centers and libraries offer free interview workshops and one-on-one sessions.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be increasing your hiring potential with ease. Refresh your skills and your image, and work with the experts to land the job of your dreams.
Amanda Kay, an Employment Specialist and founder of My Life, I Guess, strives to keep the "person" in personal finance by writing about money, mistakes, and making a living. She focuses on what it’s like being in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and surviving unemployment while also offering advice and support for others in similar situations - including a FREE library of career & job search resources.