Job-Hunting Facts Everyone Should Know

Filed in archive Human Resources , Trends on June 27, 2010

© Foxtongue

The job market this year is a little bit different from what we are used to.

Some job-hunting tactics are now proving to be ineffective and should be re-evaluated.

1. Many resumes do not get read. Even in the age of keyword searchers, recruiters simply do not have the time to go through each and every resume that goes through their hands. The supply (meaning the number of job applicants) overwhelmingly surpasses the demand (meaning the job openings). The best way to look for a job is to know the right people at the right time.

2. Most recruiters do not know anything about the job. The job of most screeners is to separate resumes into two piles, one for those to say "Thank you" to and another (a smaller one!), a pile for those to be actually interviewed. But in reality, many screeners hardly know anything about the job they are trying to fill. It is more effective to try to get to know the person who is going to make the hiring decision via LinkedIn, snail mail, telephone or any other possible connection. That's one of two people who know a lot about the job opening. The other person is you.



3. Most advertised job requirements are not important. The list of requirements posted in the job ad describes the ideal person who could fill the opening. No single applicant can fulfill them all. Don't let missing out one or two such "requirements" stop you from expressing an interest in the job. Send in your resume and then try to find a way to go about what you think you may be missing.

4. The salary history is not required. What you have been paid for your previous jobs is not anybody else's business. If you have to fill out a form that asks for your previous salary, write in a number that represents what you are targeting as your salary.

5. Many interviewers don't want to ask all those questions. Interviewers have to deal with at least five applicants daily for various posts open in the company. That means asking the same set of questions at least five different times. The key to a good interview is to come prepared to answer those questions and use your responses to lead your interviewer into the next question. It will take the responsibility of asking questions from your interviewer and if you miss out a few, you can be pretty sure the interviewer will ask them anyway.

6. The hiring decision is based on fit. You will have to fit the working style of your potential boss, your potential subordinate (if they came to the company ahead of you) and your co-workers' culture. You may have a list of outstanding qualities listed in your resume but if your personality does not fit into the company mold of what people there think is ideal, you won't get hired.

How do you try to fit in while still being interviewed? The best thing to do is not to bother. Just be who you are. Fit is a two-way street anyway. Just as you have to fit into the company, you should also feel that the company you are about to work for fits with your personality. Just try to have as many interviews as possible, land as many job offers as you can and then choose what feels to be the best fit for you.