How to Get Potential Employers to Call You

A lot of people are job hunting right now and you might be one of them. If you are, you know that competition is a lot heavier these days than it was even a year ago. If you have applied for several jobs consistently and have gotten little to no response or just want a guide if you're planning to apply, here are some easy tips.

Instructions

1. Update your resume. Whether you've been in your field for years or just starting out, your resume is your first impression usually to a potential employer. Keep it simple and keep it short, aim for keeping it at one page. Highlight your achievements, use bullet points if you can and you don't need to list references. You can put they will be available upon request. Have a friend or family member look over your resume and give you feedback on whether or not they think it is the best impression of you. Make this a priority as with all the competition, think of employers having to sort through lots of resumes. Do your best to make sure yours stands out. Furthermore, make sure it is relevant to the position you are applying for. If you are in a hurry to get a job, tweaking it before each submission is not a bad idea.

2. Network. Many people are afraid of networking, because they feel that it is almost similar to begging, or if they have been laid off, they are ashamed to let people know, there are many reasons people shy away from networking. First of all, networking is not begging. It is also not asking for a job. Networking is talking to people you may know in your field or even a new field you are trying to pursue. You are asking them their advice, for feedback and referrals if they have them. When you approach networking as a fact finding activity, it takes the pressure off not only from you, but also from your contact. Think of networking in this way. What most people don't know is that 20% of jobs that are available are posted and 80% of the jobs that are available are not posted publicly so networking definitely helps. You never know what jobs you may hear about or be referred to that aren't listed yet. Things happen, where people leave or new jobs are created and they're only posted internally. Your network and referrals may lead you to something like this. Employers also appreciate people who get good references from mutual contacts.

3. Research the company you want to be employed by and figure out what would make you a good fit and why you would be an asset. Think in terms of their bottom line. Read their earnings report, their history, their mission or value statement. Relate this to your skills and experience and ask yourself if this is truly where you want to be and if so, what would make you the best candidate. Try to also understand their market and their competition. Put this information on your cover letter or save it for your interview, but if you're trying to get an interview, I would put it on a cover letter. The cover letter should only be one page long, so keep it short and concise. Also, after submitting your resume, always follow up within a week's time. Set a reminder and when you follow up express your interest in a face to face meeting as well as why you feel you would be an asset to their company.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not stalk your dream employer, be professionally persistent if you haven't heard from them yet

• Keep your options open, if one doesn't work out for you, there are others, have other possibilities for yourself

• Don't underestimate the power of networking

Resources

• How to Prepare for Job Interview Questions
• How to Negotiate You Salary
• How to Get Motivated
• How to Improve Your Communication Skills
• How to Be Productive If You've Been Laid Off
• How to Find a Sales Job
• How to Exude Confident Body Language
• How to Present a Professional Image for Women
• How to Present a Professional Image for Men