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Increase your chances of landing interviews by tailoring your job applications with our expert tips, including customizing resumes, highlighting relevant skills, and writing targeted cover letters.
Struggling to get noticed in the job market? Your resume might be the culprit. Think of it as your trusty sidekick in the wild world of job hunting. This little document is your career's first impression—a crucial elevator pitch that can open doors.
According to Skillademia, “Employers' preferences and software algorithms evolve rapidly, and up to 90% of employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage candidate applications. Unfortunately, 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before they even reach a hiring manager.”
This means your resume needs to be more than just well-crafted; it must also be optimized to pass these digital gatekeepers. A well-drafted resume is crucial, but also, several other factors weigh in when you are applying for a job in the present market. To ensure you are 2024-ready, let’s dive into some essential job application tricks that can improve your chances of getting shortlisted.
Ready to boost your job application success rate? From crafting standout resumes to optimizing your online presence, we've compiled the top strategies to help you land interviews and get noticed by employers. Let's dive into the essential tips that can elevate your job hunt and bring you closer to your dream job.
When Daniel Lantin moved to Toronto from the Philippines in December 2019, he thought landing a marketing job would be easy, given his background as a marketing manager for a major gym franchise. "I started applying for jobs like how I applied back in the Philippines: mass application," he recalls. "I submitted the same resume to every company hiring for part-time marketing or social media positions." To his surprise, 15 applications later, he hadn't heard back from a single company.
Realizing something needed to change, Daniel decided to revamp his approach. "I started tailoring my resume for each job. It took me about 15-20 minutes to customize my resume based on what the company was looking for. This small effort showed employers that I was a good fit on paper," he shares.
Another key strategy Daniel used was reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn. "After submitting my application, I looked for the recruiters on LinkedIn and messaged them to let them know I had applied. With Space Age, I messaged the founders, and one day later, I had an interview set up. Why? Because I stood out."
Here are Daniel's top tips for making your resume stand out:
By tailoring his resume, adding personalized cover letters, and making direct connections with recruiters, Daniel went from no responses to being hired by three companies in three months. You should not only limit yourself to readjusting your resume but also focus on learning skills aligned to your job search. For almost all modern jobs, you can have easy-to-learn digital skills giving you an advantage over competitors. Using these tips and skills, you can make your resume stand out in a crowded job market.
When Zachary Etem applied to Esri, he faced a challenging journey. "I applied to Esri 64 times before getting hired, and 63 of those times, I watched as the application status changed from 'in review' to 'not a match.' It stung every time," he admits. Zachary, a recent college graduate, was passionate about working in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) but found that his initial approach to mass applications wasn’t effective.
Zachary decided to adjust his strategy by customizing his cover letters. "I applied to fewer positions at a time and tailored my cover letter specifically to each role. I wanted to show my genuine interest and fit for each position." He also leveraged LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. "I started adding connections on LinkedIn and reached out to individuals in departments I was interested in. When extending a connection invite, I wrote personal messages expressing my interest in their company and asking for advice." This approach led to valuable conversations and insights into the hiring process.
Finally, his efforts paid off. "After weeks of networking and tailored applications, I landed my first recruiter call with Esri. It was a nerve-wracking but pivotal moment." Zachary's story underscores the importance of customized cover letters and targeted networking in standing out.
Here are Zak's top tips for customizing job application cover letters:
By following these steps, Zachary was able to land his dream job at Esri. His story highlights the importance of customization and networking in the job application process.
Tracy Clayton, a journalist, landed her job at BuzzFeed thanks to her vibrant online presence. Tracy gained attention on Twitter after launching the hashtag #BlackBuzzFeed, where users imagined what BuzzFeed would look like if it catered to a black audience. "A BuzzFeed editor noticed my tweets and contacted me, offering a job," she recalls. Initially hesitant, Tracy accepted the offer after a tour of the New York office.
Tracy emphasizes the power of visibility online. "You never know who’s watching you," she shared at a panel at NYU. Tracy’s humor, honesty, and willingness to innovate made her a perfect fit for BuzzFeed.
Here are Tracy's top tips for optimizing your online presence:
For job seekers, especially those looking to make a career transition or enhance their visibility, optimizing your online presence is crucial. Especially if you are a freelancer or a business owner, online presence is crucial. If you are not a techie, don’t worry; no-code tools can make your life simple and fast. From automating your website to lead management, you can learn skills with programs at NoCode Institute.
When Falahil was laid off, he found himself in panic mode, "During the first 2-3 months, I applied to literally every single PM job offer I saw but didn’t even pass the second interview," he recalls. Frustrated, he turned to a friend who recommended a 3-stage job application process that transformed his approach. "In two months of following her guidelines, I was offered two positions! One even had a higher salary than my previous job," he shares. Falahil's journey highlights the importance of a structured approach to streamline the job application process.
His process involved
Falahil’s structured approach and use of AI tools highlight the effectiveness of modern job application strategies. There are many no code tools at your disposal that you can use to enhance your approach to job hunting either as a job seeker or freelancer. Programs like the No Code Foundations can give you an edge in learning no-code technology and winning the war on employment.
When Mike Doll started his job hunt, he faced the common challenge of finding meaningful engagement in a competitive market. Mike's journey involved discovering roles, outreach, engagement, and interviews, and he learned valuable lessons along the way.
Mike relied heavily on LinkedIn for discovering new roles, setting up custom alerts and staying engaged with his network and recruiters. "Initially, the market was slow, but it picked up in Q4," he notes. For outreach, he personalized his messages to 1st and 2nd connections on LinkedIn, finding that real connections had an 80% higher engagement rate.
His preparation paid off, as his progress rate after the first conversation improved by over 2x. Mike also emphasizes the importance of having well-practiced work stories ready for interviews and getting feedback to refine them.
Here are Mike's top tips for practicing continued engagement in your job hunt:
Mike’s story highlights the importance of active and personalized engagement throughout the job search process. If you are a freelancer, go one step ahead and automate the process of client management for continued engagement. You can use simple no-code automation tools for client satisfaction and better job prospects.
When preparing for job interviews, leveraging AI tools can make a significant difference in how you present yourself. Bitch_Please_LOL, a Reddit user, shares some valuable advice from their experience. One of the key strategies Bitch_Please_LOL recommends is to have your questions written down. "I usually like to ask: What does your ideal candidate look like? How do they accomplish the role well? This allows you to tailor your responses to what they need," they explain.
To prepare effectively, Bitch_Please_LOL used AI tools to simulate interview scenarios. "Using ChatGPT as an interview trainer was incredibly helpful. I trained ChatGPT on my resume and used it to practice common interview questions. The AI provided clear and concise responses that aligned with my experiences," they share. This approach helped them feel more confident and prepared for their interviews.
Here are Bitch_Please_LOL’s top tips for using AI to crack interviews:
By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your interview performance and increase your chances of success. At NoCode Institute of Technology, we guide you in using no-code and AI tools to refine your interview skills, ensuring you are well-prepared to impress potential employers.
Perrybrissette, a Reddit user with decades of experience, offers a refreshing perspective on staying positive during a job search. "I'm 60, so I've seen my fair share of recessions, bubble-bursts, and downturns over the years. Nothing even comes close to what we're living through now," he shares. Despite the challenges, Perrybrissette emphasizes the importance of recognizing the steady improvement in the job market and the pent-up demand that will drive future economic growth.
During the pandemic, Perrybrissette found solace in physical exercise. "I bought a new bicycle, and it’s given me the greatest benefit to my physical and mental health," he says. He also advises job seekers to structure their day with breaks rather than spending all day searching for work. "I start in the morning, take a break in the afternoon, start again in the late afternoon, then take a break around dinner. It seems to help," he explains. This balanced approach can prevent burnout and maintain a positive mindset.
Here are Perrybrissette's top tips for staying positive during a job search:
By following these strategies, you can stay positive and motivated throughout your job search.
Tailoring your job applications is essential to standing out in today’s competitive job market. From making your resume stand out and customizing your cover letters to optimizing your online presence and easing up your application process, each step plays a crucial role in securing interviews. Engaging continuously, leveraging AI to crack interviews, staying positive, and adding no-code skills to your resume can significantly enhance your job search success. These strategies not only improve your chances of landing interviews but also help you build a strong personal brand that resonates with potential employers.
At NoCode Institute of Technology, we specialize in empowering individuals with the skills needed to excel in their careers. Our no-code programs are designed to help you build impressive portfolios, streamline your job applications, and stand out to employers. Whether you’re transitioning to a new field or enhancing your current skills, our courses provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience. Transform your job search and boost your employability with NoCode Institute - enroll now!
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