Understand hiring trends and beat the odds to get hired.
Have you been looking for a job for a few weeks? A few months? Are you able to determine what job opportunities are worth your time and energy? A lack of focus and a lack of the right information can easily leave you sidetracked.
Go the extra mile and think about what else you can do to land an offer. One place to start is understanding various aspects of the hiring process. Understanding how the hiring process works will give you a better chance of getting the job.
Here are some tips to help:
1. Find out where the competition is. Look for companies with less competition. If you are switching careers, you may look for an industry that interests you with less competition. For example, insurance, energy, and healthcare are less competitive, giving you greater odds with fewer candidates if you’re qualified for the job.
2. Realize that you won’t always get an interview. When you apply for a job, don’t expect to get a callback right away. Many companies are selective. Don’t be upset if you don’t get a call—Keep looking for the right company that will be the perfect fit for your skills and experience.
As a reminder, take time to personalize your resume and application for every company you’re interested in. Use the right keywords to get past initial scanner or HR hurdles.
3. Get referrals. Referred applicants typically have a greater chance of getting hired. Though you can always apply online or in person, a referral is often the best way to beat the odds.
4. Expect the process to take a month. On average, it takes 28 days to get an offer. Senior roles may take longer. Unfortunately, there is nothing an applicant can do to expedite the process. Often, hiring managers have to skim through hundreds of resumes just to find a handful of suitable candidates to interview for a position.
5. Understand that you may not get an offer. You shouldn’t be upset or frustrated if you don’t get an offer after an interview. It can’t be said enough—Don’t give up. If your search is focused, you will find the job and work environment that suits you and your skills.
