Searching for your dream job? We get it.

Job searches can be frustrating. Competition is stiff. Openings are few and far between. Spraying and praying your resume to hundreds of jobs just doesn’t work anymore.

The good news…

It’s still possible to land the perfect job. In fact, with the right techniques, you can significantly increase your chances. The most successful job seekers are not always the most qualified candidates. They are the ones who know how the system works.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Most Job Seekers Fail
• The Hidden Job Market Secret
• Winning Strategies That Work Today
• Standing Out From The Crowd

Why The Job Market Has Changed

Job search has changed completely from what it was a few years ago.

In recent data, the average job search now spans about five months. It is a long time to job search. With limited openings, every application is critical more than before.

On the other hand…

The job searchers are taking a more ineffective approach. They spend hours every day searching on job boards when most of the jobs are hidden. If you are looking to apply for jobs in Tucson—such as those at Afni Careers—or anywhere, the following tips and tricks are still the same.

Job hunting requires one to understand where these jobs are coming from.

The Hidden Job Market Secret

What if we tell you something secret…

There are about 70% to 85% of jobs that are not listed on the job boards. These job vacancies are filled through networking and referrals before even being advertised.

Pause for a second…

The majority of job searchers are vying for a small portion of the available jobs. Everybody is fighting over the same few visible jobs, while the best opportunities are unknown. When it comes to landing your dream job,

What this means:

• Online applications are not going to work alone
• Networking is not optional
• Referrals work better

Astonishing, right?

Job seekers who know the secret and take advantage of that have a big edge over the rest. They get an opportunity to get their dream job since they are not having to deal with thousands of other applicants. They get introduced directly to the people that are hiring.

Winning Strategies That Work Today

Now it’s time to delve into the real stuff. The following strategies are proven to work today.

Build Your Network Before You Need It

Networking is very awkward for most people. However, it doesn’t have to be overly complicated either.

Start by reconnecting with old colleagues, classmates, and any contacts you have in the industry. Inform them that you are currently seeking new opportunities. You can also consider asking for informational interviews from the people you admire in their jobs.

The trick here is to be of value first. You can do that by sharing articles. Congratulating individuals on their promotions is always good. Be as much of help as possible without expecting anything in return.

Trust us, when a potential job opening arises, they will remember you.

Optimise Your Online Presence

You won’t believe something…

Approximately 81% of job seekers use social media when searching for a job or when looking for one. Recruiters also have their eyes on you too. Your LinkedIn profile is not just a virtual resume, but most times it is the first impression the hiring manager will have of you.

Therefore, ensure that the following is included in your profile:

• A professional headshot
• Headline that is more than your job title
• Detailed descriptions of your achievements as opposed to your job duties
• Relevant Keywords for your ideal roles
• Recommendations from your colleagues and managers

Do not forget to also sanitise your other social media profiles. Some of the profiles we made 10 years ago might not be the best right now. So, private that photo that makes you wild.

Target Your Applications Strategically

Quantity has nothing on quality, EVERY time.

Instead of sending the same generic resume to 100 jobs, take your time and do targeted applications to 20 of them. Do good research on each of the company. Modify your resume to capture their job description. Write your cover letters such that they show your understanding of their challenges.

Hiring managers know a copied and pasted application from a mile. You guessed right, such applications go into the trash.

Master The Follow-Up Game

The majority of job seekers apply and wait. You shouldn’t be in the majority.

Follow up a week after you apply with a short and professional email that conveys your continued interest. Connect with the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. It’s also good to engage with the content they post.

This makes you look genuinely enthusiastic. It keeps you visible when they are making decisions.

Prepare Like A Professional

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! You got the interview. But here is the kicker – the real work starts from here.

Do intensive research on the company. Learn about their products, their rivals, their recent news and stories, and their overall culture. Get specific examples that can help demonstrate your skills. The most important thing is to ensure that they are specific to the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) format.

It is also important to prepare on the questions they might ask you. You can even record yourself to help you see the areas you can improve on. Practicing helps you gain the confidence you need for the interview.

And most importantly…

Prepare on the questions that you can ask them. Interviews are two-sided so prepare some thoughtful questions that show that you are also considering if this role is the right one for you.

Standing Out From The Crowd

The truth is, it takes a lot of work to beat the competition for a single job.

How can you make yourself noticeable?

• Consider developing a portfolio to show your work samples
• Develop some more skills to help complement your dream job
• Start a conversation and contribute to the discussion online
• Volunteer for other roles to help you gain the necessary experience
• Ensure that you have relevant certifications to back your claims

Candidates that get hired are not necessarily the most experienced ones. It is the ones that show they are passionate about what they are doing and that they have put in the work that land the jobs.

Handle Rejection The Right Way

Rejection hurts. We know that.

But it is still part of the process.

Every single no that you get, you are one step closer to a yes. Try to get feedback when you can. If you can’t get the feedback, try to also use it as an opportunity to improve your approach. Don’t lose hope.

Job searchers who give up too early never get to know just how close they were.

Wrapping Things Up

Searching for your dream job requires a combination of tactics, strategy, determination, and most of all the energy and willingness to put in the work.

Successful job seekers know that networking is the real door-opener than those job boards. They tailor every application, follow up professionally, and go to each interview fully prepared.

Let’s quickly recap what we’ve discussed above:

• Know the secret of the hidden job market through networking
• Optimise your online presence
• Quality applications trump quantity any day
• Follow up and stay visible
• Prepare for each interview as if your dream job depends on it

The job market only favours those who are ready and know how to approach it. Don’t compete with thousands of applicants over the few advertised jobs. Begin to build relationships today that will lead to openings.

Your dream job is out there. Go for it.