Apply to Jobs with Smarts and Style - Hire Imaging

Apply to Jobs with Smarts and Style - Hire Imaging When you’re applying to jobs in your search, try your best to stand out from the pack. Apply with panache and style. You want them to pick you! Think about doing something creative and different (just keep it professional)! For example, let’s say you are a graphic designer applying for a job at a new company. Why not send a small portfolio of your most impressive work? I don’t recommend stopping by; people are busy and may or may not respond well to the interruption. That said, you can certainly drop off a portfolio or resume if you’re in the neighborhood. So much depends on the company, your role, and your target audience. But the key is to feel okay to think outside the box! I had a client who sent a red rose to the receptionist, with a note that he appreciated how tough her job was; and that his hat was still in the ring. She knew his motive, but she still melted. He got the interview that previously had been out of reach. Style and standing out are just as important when you apply for a job as when you interview for one. It takes time, but it will serve you well. At a minimum, make sure that your resume reflects the required skills in the targeted job, in terms that your audience understands. Speak their language. This is particularly important when you’re applying online. Recruiters, HR, and hiring managers do not have time to call you and ask, “Do you have this skill?” So, they don’t get beyond talking to the candidates who do have the skills, because they found their good fits. Tailor your resume as much as you can. Then energize your resume with a compelling cover letter. Tell them why you’re that great fit to help their pain! Here are two examples: You need someone to drive process improvements. “In my last position, I boosted productivity 43% by creating new systems, job descriptions, and protocol that integrated benchmarks, best practices, and daily dialogue between staff and management.” You need someone to lead a team representing several departments. “In my last position, I hired, trained and managed cross-functional management. I groomed two people into management roles, increased customer satisfaction survey results 33% and eliminated the need for outsourced contracts.” How do you avoid wasting time with the overwhelming number of advertised jobs you see and are attracted to? When jobs come to you and you’re interested, you have to stop and ask yourself: Does the job really fit what I want according to my self-analysis? Do I have at least 80% of the required qualifications listed â€" 8 out of 10? If yes, and you’re interested, first go to your network and see if you can find someone inside that company to introduce you to the right hiring authority or at least someone a bit closer in the hierarchy to that person. If you don’t find a referral, call the company and ask to speak with the head of whatever area you’re trying to get into (Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Logistics, Information Technology, etc.). If all this fails, then apply online â€" but only if you’re really enthusiastic about it and you are qualified (80% of the qualifications). There are multiple ways to stand out from the pack when applying to a job. Research the company and be clear about what you can do that will help them. Master the art of online applications and applicant tracking systems (ATS) with technically-compatible formatting and tailored resumes. Focus on your proficiency and ability portfolio â€" your brag book. Provide relevant examples of your success that correlate with the employers’ needs. Add personality and flavor to your online identity with a personal website, a blog or social media profiles. Get noticed before you even apply. Get LinkedIn recommendations and endorse others. Have lots of informational meetings. And follow up â€" at least twice. Every time you go after a job, you have the chance to be a standout, a star, or at least a unique person with talents that may be a great fit for the employer’s needs. It takes energy and discernment. Be selective. Be persistent. Go get it! And shine! Do you have other ideas for applying to jobs with smarts and style? I’d love to hear from you!