5 Secrets Savvy Job Seekers DON’T Want You To Know

5 Secrets Savvy Job Seekers DON’T Want You To Know

It’s a competitive world out there, and when it comes to beating out other job candidates, the gloves are off. If you want a shot at winning the job, you need to know what you’re up against so you can plan accordingly. So, what do savvy job seekers do that you don’t? Here are some strategic habits you should start adding to your job search routine...


1. They practice being disruptive.

With so much competition, you need to do whatever you can to grab the attention of employers. Unfortunately, following the crowd when it comes to job search strategy isn’t going to allow you to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates. If you want to stand out, you need to be disruptive. Savvy job seekers shake things up a little so they can get noticed. They try to be a little unique and unusual in their approach so they have a better chance of being remembered.

2. They consider hiring trends.

Yes, just like fashion, there are seasonal trends when it comes to hiring. Hiring skyrockets during the Fall. Why? Because after a long, lazy Summer, employers finally have a chance to refocus on acquiring new talent. That means, if you’re planning to find a new job this year, you should be focusing on what you can do to get in front of employers before everyone else.

3. They constantly check in to see what ISN’T working.

Albert Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you’re stuck in an endless, unsuccessful job search and you’re ready to pull your hair out in a frustrated rage, it *might* be time to change up your strategy. Sure, you may have applied to 200 jobs in the past month, but have you gotten any interviews? Or maybe you’ve gotten interviews, but have you gotten any offers? If you’re coming up with a big ol’ goose egg every single time, reevaluate where you could be more efficient in your efforts. If you simply ignore what’s not working and don’t try to find more effective strategies, you’re not only going to go crazy, but you’re going to waste a whole lot of time and energy (and who’s got either of those things to spare these days?!).

4. They stay up to date on the latest strategies.

Savvy job seekers aren’t stuck in the past. Thanks to better technology and shorter attention spans, what worked ten years ago doesn’t work now. So, they do their best to stay updated on the latest job search techniques.

5. They take time to focus on doing it right.

Yes, of course you want to get a job as fast as you possibly can - everyone does. However, if you’re trying to do things too quickly, you’re going to overlook some very important details that can make or break your chances of getting the job. For example, if you’re hurrying to submit your resume and cover letter and don’t take time to proofread, you're likely going to miss a typo and make a poor first impression. Or, if you’re trying to network your way into a company but don’t take time to build professional relationships with your contacts, people won’t respect or refer you because you’ll come off as a selfish networker. Unfortunately, job search isn’t usually a speedy process. If you don’t take the time to do it right, though, you’re going to make it last much longer. So, there you have it: five strategies of savvy job seekers. Develop these habits and you’ll have a better shot at winning the job you’re after.
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