Getting the job you want, this summer

Searching for a job that fits you, pays well, and has amazing benefits in the American job market can feel like looking for the proverbial needle in a very, very large haystack. Whether you are a seasoned pro with tons of experience, or someone just entering the job market after graduating college, a job hunt is a time-consuming task. What if we tell you that we have a bunch of tips to make it a whole lot easier for you?

The career experts at Resume Mansion put their heads together over evening coffee last week to come up with a list of the ultimate job-searching tips. Today, we thought of sharing some of those job-searching tips to help you score a better offer.

Have a target before starting your job search

So, you have decided that you want a new job for some reason. Your “plan” is to get hooked to the internet and start applying for every job advertisement you see online. But applying for a job as a crocodile wrangler for a local park or as a cake sculptor for a startup bakery will get you nowhere in your IT career. You should have a clear goal to apply for IT jobs. Always take the time to identify your target job title before starting a job search. It can be something like Network Architect, IT Engineer, Software Developer, or Systems Analyst. Narrowing down your target job title will help you have a more productive job search.

Tailor the job search material

Okay, now you have a target job title in mind. However, your resume and cover letter from two or three years ago were created for a different job title. This makes them useless for your new job search. Take a morning of your weekend to give your resume a makeover. Rewrite your resume for the target job title. Spot keywords from job descriptions for the same job title and incorporate them into your resume. Write a cover letter that snatches attention. Polish your other job search material as well. Take the time to tailor your digital portfolio and LinkedIn profile to the target job title.

Start prepping for interviews

The easiest portion of your job search will be the one where you write a resume and apply for a job. Impressing potential employers during a job interview will be a tad bit harder. You need to have a stellar interview performance to shine brighter than the other candidates. Understand that you will be competing with a bunch of equally talented individuals. Prepare answers for common interview questions a few days before your interview. If you are in an industry where you need to face technical interviews, make adequate preparations for those as well.

Get ready for salary negotiations

Salary negotiations are an essential component of a job search. You should always be ready to negotiate salary with a new job offer. This needs additional preparation. We have previously discussed the tools you can use to keep an eye on your desired salary. Use these resources to identify the median salary scale for your target job title in your industry, at your location. This will help you adjust the salary range to fit your experience and expertise. When negotiating your salary, be professional. Avoid getting too passionate and keep your tone and expressions friendly. If you keep getting lowballed by the employer, consider declining the offer.