6 Basic Job Search Tips Often Overlooked

Mastering the Basics for a More Effective Job Search

Looking for a job can be a frustrating and complicated process. While much has been written about advanced strategies such as tweaking LinkedIn profiles or winging networking events, it is the most fundamental steps that are often missed. These foundational elements can make or break your job search, influencing how potential employers see you. Those are some of the most basic pieces of advice when it comes to the job search, yet they’re the stuff of which success is made.

Customize Your Resume for Each Application

A one-size-fits-all resume will not rank well with the ATS, especially in today’s highly competitive job market. Hiring managers want to understand how your experience and skills align with their needs. Customizing your resume doesn’t mean drafting a whole new one from scratch each time — but it does mean job seekers who want the interview must do these steps:

• Showcase relevant achievements and skills.
• Implement keywords from the job description.
• Customize their objective or summary statement for the position.

Utilizing these steps can help your application get noticed in ATS and in the eyes of hiring managers.

Proofread Everything 

Proofreading sounds like a no-brainer, but typos and grammatical errors continue to be one of the leading reasons applications get rejected. Proofreading your resume, cover letter, and follow-up email is critical to staying in the running for the job opening. Simple mistakes can make you look like you lack attention to detail, and hiring managers look bad if someone on their team doesn't perform well or makes these types of simple mistakes.

Reading your documents out loud can help you to identify awkward phrasing. Use Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to double-check your resume, cover letter, and emails. Have a friend or a career coach review your resume and cover letter before submitting your job application.

Taking these extra steps shows you're doing something most employers value: attention to detail.

Research the Company

Many candidates go to interviews unaware of what's happening at the company they are interviewing with. Employers value candidates who are knowledgeable about the company. Most employers assume you have some level of understanding of their business and its overall goals. Your knowledge of the company will show your genuine interest and thorough research. Tailoring your answers to fit the job during the interview will be impressive.

Focus on:

• Being knowledgeable of the company mission statements, customers, goals, and core principles.
• New news, projects, results, and innovations.
• The industry and competitors.

This knowledge will also assist in determining if the company is in line with your career goals and values.

Interview Basics

Most people preparing for interviews focus specifically on technical questions or specific situations but lose it when it comes to basic interview questions. A few top priorities for you to concentrate on are:

• Dressing according to the company’s culture.
• Being punctual (log on early for virtual interviews).
• Practicing responses to common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want this job?”
• Making an effort to engage in active listening and articulate communication.

First impressions count, and if you can nail these basics, you can set a positive tone for the rest of the interview. Positivity creates comfort and takes away nervousness.

Follow Up After Interviews

A thank-you note may feel cliché, but it’s still among the most powerful ways to rank higher after an interview. Following up is courteous — it shows appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforces your interest in the position. Do this:

• Follow up within 24 hours of the interview.
• Acknowledge topics and phrases discussed during the interview.
• Reiterate your excitement for the role and how you’re a great fit.

These simple steps resonate well with recruiters and hiring managers.

Stay Organized and Consistent

Job searching can get disorganized quickly, especially if you’re applying for many positions. It's common for job seekers to lose momentum, miss important deadlines, or lack organization in their efforts.   

• Establish daily or weekly targets for how many applications you submit or professional contacts you reach out to.
• Maintain an updated resume, profiles, and portfolio as you acquire new skills and experiences.

Staying organized and consistent in your job search will help you not only to stay stress-free but also help you achieve your goals!

In the complex world of job searching, it’s easy to overlook the fundamental job-searching steps. Implementing these 6 job search tips will help you set yourself apart from the other candidates.