When job hunting – how do you get yourself noticed? How do you negotiate the interview and pay?
Here are the true secrets of the job hunt!
1) Get yourself noticed:
- Become more visible: It’s a big world out there! One of the best ways to get noticed these days is to make your self as visible as possible to potential employers. The first thing you can do is to ensure your online application, resume, and CV includes keywords that are related to your particular field. Without the correct keywords your information is far less visible to any one searching online.
- Social media: If you’re not leveraging the plethora of social media tools at your disposal, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to get noticed and make connections that could result in an offer. Your first move should be to get on LinkedIn and start expanding your network by joining groups and working through your existing contacts. It’s a good idea to either set your Facebook to private or at the very least ensure nothing potentially discouraging to potential employers is visible. Companies and recruiters use every tool available to get a firm grasp of who you are as a person.
- Gaining influence: Harnessing the power of Twitter and other online mediums to become an industry influencer can be a great asset. Influencers are not just popular, but are seen as connected, passionate and knowledgeable individuals who have the ability to affect change. This is a powerful asset to potential employers. Employers want to know they are hiring someone who can have a positive impact not only for the company but also those around them.
2) Navigating the interview:
- Play your part by asking questions: Asking the right questions can serve a few different purposes. A well thought out question can show knowledge and insight about a particular position or industry. Another advantage is that it shows the interviewer your level of long-term commitment. Asking questions about the day-to-day processes and operations shows that you are really trying to envision your career with this company for the long haul. This also opens the door to have the interviewer sell you on the company and make your feel more comfortable about the decision to work there.
- Include things that are uniquely you: Whoever is hired will have to work closely with everyone else in the office and the last person they want to hire is a robot. Don’t be afraid to include your hobbies and interests during your interview. Though, bear in mind that you don’t want to go overboard by talking about your dozens of pet cats.
3) Negotiating pay and benefits:
- Don’t be afraid to talk about pay: While pay should never be your top concern it is obviously an important talking point for both parties. Tread carefully on this subject. It’s acceptable to know and voice the minimum you can live with, but coming across too bold or entitled can ruin the view they have of you. Being polite and tactful can go a long way. Politely ask what the average range of salary is for this open position. At this point they already know your salary history, so chances are the offer they have in mind is within your reasonable expectations. At the end of the day you have to be thinking long-term. A little less money with greater future opportunity is always a better choice.
- Discussing benefits is not a bad thing: Asking about benefits offered is never a bad move. If you are still in the running they will be more than happy to sell you on company benefits and to make sure it’s a good fit for you. Let them know about your children or family needs and ensure you are getting everything you desired. Again, tact is highly recommended, as benefits are usually not a highly flexible part of the job offer.
4) Don’t be too quick to sign on the dotted line:
- Juggling multiple offers can be tricky: If you have multiple job offers that are making the choice hard for you, let them know. Again, be open and honest when dealing with these situations and employers will respect you. If the job you prefer to work gives you a lower bid than the less preferred, let them know. You might be surprised at the reaction you get. It’s usually best to provide them with proof but that’s not always necessary. Often times if they are as excited about you joining the team as you are, they can raise their offer or even match another offer to get you on board.
- Wait! I need more time: Usually all the offers do not just fall into your lap at the same time. The job you were almost certain to get will shoot back a quick offer while the one you really want is taking its time and mulling over the potential candidates. In this situation it is completely acceptable to ask the first company for some time to think about it or ask what the expiration of that offer is. These are big choices for both sides and a little time to think in order to ensure the right decision is made would be in the best interest of both parties.
- Remember what is important: You want to work at a job that appreciates all you are and what you bring to the table. There is no point in pretending to be someone or something your not. Take a look at what in your personal life is important to you and make sure this new job protects those things and doesn’t cut them out. Finding a job that fits both parties perfectly takes open communication and clearly defined expectations on both sides.
Author: Josh Hansen is a writer who writes on a wide range of employment and career topics on behalf of Workfish (workfish.co.uk).
