Job Readiness
By: Shweta Prasad
Tags: Covid 19 Crisis, Recruitment, HR, Covid 19, Hiring

I’m guessing your motive behind clicking on this link was to gain insight. Insight into the world of greek mythology? No, no, obviously not. To put it plainly I would like to call this article a one-stop-shop. From the industry requirements to selling, optimising and presenting yourself. Because let’s face it, when you’re putting yourself out there you have to be pretty darn good at what you do as well as showing the same to the right people or chances are there might be somebody who could and essentially take away the trophy. Hakuna Matata, you’re at the right place!

There is no one golden rule but believe it, or not there are a few fundamental things that you can exercise today to stay at the top of your game.

Skillset

The best horse to bet on is yourself, So equip yourself accordingly. Look at the career path you want to pursue and look at what that industry demands. Skill yourself to the hilt because there is no replacement to that.

2. Adaptability

From fortune 500 companies to even your generic medical store the reason businesses (Or for that matter, even humans) thrive is because of the ability to adapt. In this supremely fast-paced world, the ability to keep up is crucial and in most cases, the deciding factor.

3. Technology

This is a no brainer really. Globally we’re moving steadily towards a hugely digitalised world. Everything which once was manual can be done virtually, and there’s no stopping that. So yes, download that online shopping app!

4. Problem solving

Do you buckle under pressure? Do you give in when the minutest problem arises? How do you handle yourself in difficult or unfavourable situations? These are questions to which a recruiter seeks the answers to, during the course of the interview. So make sure you come across as analytical and rational.

5. Teamwork

Teamwork makes the dream work. In 100% of the organisations, it helps to be a team player. The ability to build constructively and advancing based off of a variety of opinions is critical in most working environments.

6. Multitasking

If you think about it, It’s all a balancing act. Your ability to multitask cements your position. This doesn’t necessarily mean working on two or more things at the exact same time; It only means there’s space to fill in the background.

7. Social media

The biggest tool of the Millenium, If this doesn’t make it to the list, I don’t know what should. Realistically speaking it’s a double-edged sword, but if regarded with caution and skill, it could very well be the most significant asset. Maximise on that, market yourself, be it your talent, expertise or anything in between.

8. Communication

..is key. The cloth that stitches all of the above mentioned together is communication. You have to be able to put your views across because quite literally that’s the only way to make anybody aware. If you don’t articulate, the message doesn’t come through, and that is inconvenient for both parties involved. So if you’re not already skilled in this aspect, I would recommend a huge serving. Asap.

Now the pointers above will tell you what any ordinary glace across the internet would provide, but there’s a lot of mental makeup that requires itself to be present for the very purpose of acquiring a job and not just limited to that, it can be helpful in a multitude of aspects in life

Ability to handle rejection

It’s a tough pill to swallow, understandably. But just like your vitamins, there’s no going around this. You will apply to jobs, and you may not get them, and that is entirely okay as long as you keep at it. For all you know, your dream job could be just one rejection away!

Only apply for jobs you seek.

This one is obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of people faltering at this primary but integral step. If you apply to jobs you’re not interested in, or you’re not actively seeking, it will reflect in your resume and chances are you will not be considered, and even if you do land it, you’re not going to enjoy yourself

Impressive cover letter

One thing that’s most overlooked when it comes to resumes? Cover letters. Having a robust cover letter not only provides the employer with a brief introduction about yourself but could also be the reason your resume sits on the “Fit for the job” pile since the get-go. So make sure you near-perfect the art of writing cover letters

Tweak your resume

No two jobs are the same, Similar yes, But the absolute same no. So naturally sending in the same resume on blast to a 100 companies would not work and only increase your chances of it getting rejected. The smart way to go about it? Look at the job description and tweak accordingly

Look for other things to put besides employment.

Sure employment makes a recruiter gain confidence and experience makes them trust you. But don’t just limit your resume to that. Go ahead and put in those insightful courses you did over the summer!

Rock-solid first impressions

We’re talking interview time! According to studies, 7 seconds is all you got. So please polish those shoes, whip a brush through the unruly up there, and no body odour! Need I say dress for the job?

Show actual personality

They’re not looking for robots; they’re looking for genuine individuals who fit the role. And most often than not, people confuse the two. Don’t be afraid to show personality, be afraid of not to showing any

Unconventional thank you note

This tip is mainly underrated but take my word for it. Sending in a thankyou note right after your interview not only reaffirms your interest in being a part of the team but also puts you ahead of peers who haven’t come across this tip yet! Go ahead; We could all use some gratitude

References

Now the key to this is not to have too many references in unrelated fields. Ask a supervisor or somebody you’ve worked with in the past to write you one; It could be on Linkedin. And make sure it’s crisp.

Apply again

If you want the job and you feel like you have something different to offer this time around, don’t hold back. Give it another go. or two maybe. Where does the phrase “Third time lucky” come from anyway. Best case scenario, You bag it!

Avoid misleading information

Common mistake. Please don’t do it. If it’s not true, don’t put it in because I can guarantee it will get followed up and that’s every recruiter’s worst nightmare, To have candidates mislead them. Goes without saying, zero chance there.

Research the company that you’re applying for

Don’t fumble when asked, “So what do you know about our company”? Be prepared for repetitive questions like these. It shows dedication and inclination. If you try to wing it, At this point, The recruiters will look through you.

The weakness question

The best way to answer this question is, to be honest. Nobody is perfect, and your sincerity towards this question will only make you seem more human and relatable. Don’t forget to include what you’re doing to combat this weakness of yours, as you need to show you’re actively working towards changing and bettering yourself.

Ask questions, always.

After answering questions directed at you, you will be allowed to ask them yourself. Make the most of this. Ask them what they’re ideally looking for in a candidate for this role, or how long they’ve been looking, and what you can expect from the position in the initial days. That should set you on the right track which you then can follow along.

In these trying times, things function very differently. Interviews are online, and near about everything has been transported to the virtual realm. Equipping and being current is the need of the hour for survival. Here are a couple of pointers that could help you with that.

Make your video interview stand out.

Don’t be another run of the mill applicant, Do something out of the box. They will award your creativity. So if you’re trying to explain your pitch, pull out a whiteboard?

2. Linkedin

One of the first things a potential employer will look at is your LinkedIn profile. It’s the virtual equivalent to your resume but more detailed. So don’t be shy to put in the extra recommendation or that additional skill but don’t steer too off-topic. Routinely update and learn about new features that will expand your network, make you more visible, and showcase your many talents.

3. Follow up

Companies are still recruiting, but the guarantee of a full-time job in the current scenario is slim. So I recommend the evergreen follow up email. Still, it’s more important now than ever because you need to firstly state empathy and understanding of the current situation but also make sure you stay on their minds so as soon as there’s an opening, you will be notified and accordingly plugged in.

4. Flexibility is key

Try to look for alternatives to your full-time job. Look for freelance opportunities; you’d be surprised at what you find. Even if you do clear the interview and they’re not sure of employing, offer to work for a short amount of time. Keep your options open, and keep looking for opportunities.

5. Be crisp and concise.

Since the interview will take place in an online video and audio conferencing platform, you will have significantly less time to make an impact. The answers to all questions should be to the point and concise. Try to fit them into one-minute capsules.

6. Elevator pitch

How to hack a powerful elevator pitch? Well, there’s no harm in maintaining notes. Humans by nature, are forgetful beings, and when time is such a constraint, you need to get it all in without missing a beat. So yes, notes!

7. The Verbiage of why I left my last role, what salary I want

Thinking on your feet is a special skill, and if you don’t possess it, not to worry! Have a write up of why you left your last job, all the challenges faced by you, and what monetary compensation you’re expecting from the job you’re currently interviewing for.

8. Notes on the company and why am I interested.

Having the background of the company on your fingertips is a given but also very clearly state your interest in being a part of the company, why, and what initially drew you towards it.

9. Show enthusiasm

This is so very important. In most scenarios, people mimic your energy. The more excited, enthusiastic and interested you are, the more eager they will most likely be to make you a part of the organisation. Put your best enthu foot ahead!

Now that we’ve gone through all of that, let’s get to don’ts. Some of these we have already talked about, above, so take note of the new ones!

Don’ts

Skim job descriptions

Specifically, search for keywords in the advert or job description and incorporate them into your resume. Don’t just glace across, carefully read.

2. Beat yourself up

If you don’t make it, don’t be discouraged. Move on and look at the next best thing. Don’t be too hard on yourself!

3. Focus on the company. Focus on the job

The problem with only focusing on the company is that many a time we tend to overlook the role. This might lead to unhappiness and also getting typecasted. So in the future, even if you do want to change or switch, it becomes problematic.

4. Apply to jobs you’re not interested in

Don’t bother wasting yours as well as others time

5. Go to interviews unprepared

Do your research

6. Send the same resume

Tweak it enough, so the ATS tracks it.

So after all these steps the most logical one seems to be drafting the perfect resume to get your dream job. It’s not a herculean task as feared by many. Nonetheless, there are things to bear in mind. Here’s how you can go about it!

Resume Do’s

Stand out summary

Have a pitch-perfect cover latter. It should translate the essence of who you are, what you do and why you’re applying for what you’re applying. Ignite interest in the reader to follow up by opening the actual resume. Make it short but potent.

2. Add job descriptions

Mention all previous employments. Try to include longer duration ones first as that tends to reflect reliance and dependability. But don’t include every single thing you had to tackle during the duration of the job. Save that for when you’re asked about it.

3. Accomplishment driven bullet points

Mention all major achievements in the specific role or in general as well. Again, Do not get into too many details. Wait to be asked!

4. ATS optimised

A lot of companies these days have been ATS enabled. What that stands for is Applicant tracking system. So make sure you speak the company’s language, and how’s that you ask? Just read the advert/ flyer/ job description real carefully and use the same words!

5. Format for greater visibility

Don’t swerve too off-topic. Please stick to the general format of a resume and make it readable. Don’t cramp it or try new styles in this aspect because that would most definitely mean lesser visibility. Easy (to read) does it!

6. Focus on the font

Font makes a lot of difference. If you’re serious about the job you’re applying for I’d suggest, you avoid using something like comic sans. Yes, you can go for something regular like Arial, but if you want to be a step away from others Cambria, Gills Sans, or even Verdana in 10 or 12 are not bad options at all!

7. Use headings to draw attention.

Use your headings wisely! Know what to categorise and where for maximum reach and impact. If you include unrelated bullets under a title, that would just fall flat. Major categories you must include in your resume are professional profile, work experience, volunteer work, education, as well as special skills

8. Use bold and italics for emphasis

Not everything in your resume holds the same importance, so give them their due and highlight the good stuff. There are two options you can utilise to do that: You either use bold or italics. Make sure what you’re most proud of is known to them.

9. Use bullet points wisely.

Don’t waste your bullet points! Use them effectively and only when required. If you think a semicolon will suffice, then make do!

10. Use white space effectively.

One of the most downplayed concepts, one needs to give importance to this since it changes the whole look of your resume. The borders or margins have to be kept in mind and spaced out accordingly. This can help make your resume more cramped or alternatingly more readable and airy.

11. Customised Linkedin URL

One of the most innovative ways to make your resume stand out is to tailor-make your Linkedin URL. This will catch the recruiter’s eye and also be easy to look up. Keep it professional, i.e. your First name and your last name in any order and try to minimise the extra numbers or letters. Look up how to do that now!

While we’re at it, let us go over the most prominent resume don’ts as well.

Resume Don’ts

Use an unprofessional email.

You remember the email you created when you were in third grade? Yeah, maybe it’s time to grow out of that, (if it’s embarrassing). A professional email is a must and solidifies how you want to be perceived, i.e. as a professional!

2. Including your street address

It’s just not a good idea. It could potentially lead to identity theft or something similar. There’s no requirement.

3. Including a headshot or any picture

It’s unnecessary and could lead to judgements or discrimination based on appearance. Avoid it!

4. Objective statements.

They’re outdated. Instead, do a professional profile or personal branding like for example on Linkedin

5. Hobbies

Save this for a personal call or interview. This could also be a great conversation amplifier for you if you save it for later.

6. Listing job descriptions. Instead, talk about accomplishments.

Don’t drone on and on about what your last job entailed. But yes there is a tiny window of opportunity to brag so capitalise on that! Talk about your most prominent achievements

7. Including references. Leave that to Linkedin

Don’t put this on your resume. It will only increase it’s the length. If you’re a prospective candidate, they will look into your LinkedIn. So work on the LinkedIn and hold back on including references in your primary resume

8. Poor spelling and grammar

Pretty obvious, this. Nobody likes bad grammar or typos. It makes reading difficult, and that makes people lose interest. So make sure you ask at least five people to proofread your resume before you send it in. Something might catch their eye that you missed.

9. Too long or too short. Preferably 1 page

Do not make it lengthy. An employer will have significantly less time to go over a resume so the lengthier it is, the less their patience will run. If you have some solid pointers at the end there’s a big chance it’s going to be overlooked. Keep it short, crisp and informative!

10. Too generic

Just don’t be typical, yeah? Try to show some spark in your resume. It should speak to your potential employer. Because quite literally this is where it all starts.

Now that we’ve come to the end of this article there’s just one valuable tip I have left for whoever has made it this far. And it’s that:

Focus on what you can offer/ bring to the table than just what is your take away.

Hope you got to learn something new today!