We hear from job seekers every week. As the economy has improved and the unemployment rate decreased, today’s job market has gradually grown into a, “Candidates Market.” More jobs have opened up, leaving even more seekers the opportunity to choose their dream job over settling for a job that just pays the bills. Great right? Yes! We couldn’t be more excited to see this big shift in our market. Because it’s a Candidate Market, we have seen many candidates express a sense of self-entitlement. Unfortunately for these candidates, they won’t be the company’s first pick.
So, maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking with a mindset of entitlement. Nobody wants to stand out for the wrong reasons! Here are five tips we think will help you stand out (the right way) and keep you from coming across as, “the entitled one.” Take these seriously. It might just help you land the job you’re searching for!
Keep Yourself Current
If you are looking to attract the attention of a recruiter, our advice is to be as transparent as possible. There’s nothing more troubling to a recruiter than inconsistency. Make sure your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter are up to date. Ask your previous employers and clients to write you a testimonial. And above all, always be sure your resume and LinkedIn page match. If they don’t, it doesn’t matter what you have on there, it just doesn’t look as strong.
Stay Connected
Recruiters and hiring managers want to see if you’re a good fit for a position, and may keep you in mind for future positions; but they won’t be able to do this if you don’t connect with them. We review hundreds of resumes each month. Standing out from the crowd is all about being yourself and expressing your talents and strengths.
Be Authentic When Looking for Your Dream Job
Tell your story! Use the words that you see in the descriptions of the jobs you want. Even if you’re happy where you are, you most likely want to progress your career in the future. You never know, you might even have the chance at your dream job. If you want to get noticed by the people recruiting for that dream job, make sure it’s easy for them to find you.
Build Your Professional Network
And showcase it! Recruiters love it when they see a robust cover letter and resume with a strong network. Become as active as possible in your industry.
Remember the Basics
Just because you’re a college graduate doesn’t mean you know the basics. The business world does appreciate talent, but it also demands respect. Things that may seem simple can sometimes cost you a lot. Actions such as being on time, communication skills, professional dress and working hard to achieve your goals, will never go out of style.