How to Beat the Competition in Getting a Job
When it comes to getting a job, there is a great deal of competition in the market. In fact, some job markets are absolutely saturated with qualified entry level candidates, as well as seasoned professionals who are rejoining the workforce or looking for different kinds of opportunities. When you are conducting your job search, there are several things you can do to help you beat the competition and stand out from the other candidates.
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Instructions
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Add keywords related to your industry to your resume and cover letter. Employers often scan, or have programs that scan, these documents and will toss you if the keywords aren't found. For example, specific computer programs used in an industry, industry-specific skills or educational requirements can help you find keywords.
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Submit your application materials how the employer prefers. If the job ad says to submit your resume online, don't mail it in. Those who don't follow instructions will probably be weeded out early.
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Write a brief cover letter. While it's important to include some keywords on your cover letter, it should not tell your life story. Pick out your most impressive skills and experience from your resume and talk about them in a short paragraph or two.
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Call companies directly after you apply for jobs just to ask if the job is still open and when interviews will be scheduled. Sometimes, this can get your application moved to the top of a stack of hundreds.
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Arrive for the interview in style. Dress in your very best attire that is appropriate for the job, and get there about five minutes early. Use a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile to impress the interviewer. Be confident when you speak and don't be afraid to take a few seconds to think about interview questions. A well thought out answer is much better than three words or rambling on and on.
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