Taking the Next Step
EliteResumeToday
Updated Jan 5, 2022
My resume is done. What’s next?
You’ve shared your career goal with us, you’ve collaborated with your writer, and now your resume is ready for the job search.
When you’re happy with your resume, you can approve the document at any time, and the finished file will always be available for you to access on your Elite Resume Today dashboard.
Now you’re ready to take the next step: conquering the job hunt and securing your next position.
Hunting for a job doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve broken down the job search into steps that will help make the experience as pain-free as possible.
The job search
Amassing job leads is the name of the game when you’re in active job-search mode, but solely applying for jobs online isn’t going to cut it if you want to be successful.
The most successful job seekers are those who use multiple methods (the three below) to search for opportunities.
Combine their powers, and you’ll maximize the number of leads you can pursue, which may very well maximize your success.
Applications and follow-up
Searching online, applying online, application after application… it can get exhausting, and it’s hard to know if the jobs you’re applying to are even worth the effort. And then you find a job listing that seems, for lack of a better word, perfect.
You apply. You’re excited.
And then you wait. And wait. And wait some more. Did your application get lost? Did they already fill the position? Can you reach out to follow up?
The answers: maybe, maybe, and yes. So, how exactly do you follow up?
The short answer: Wait approximately 7–10 days, and if you’re still hearing crickets, turn to the job posting and LinkedIn. Does the job posting have any contact information? If yes, you’re golden. If not, check out the company’s LinkedIn page and search for someone in HR or recruiting.
Utilizing recruiters
Have you worked with recruiters in the past? Or if you haven’t, are you interested in going that route this time around? While it’s not for everyone, don’t forget the “power of three” and explore every avenue.
Working with an external recruiter can be a great resource for finding new job leads and gaining company insight. First step: Go back to your online presence and make sure it is as strong as possible so recruiters can find you.
Another way to make yourself discoverable by recruiters is to use a resume posting service, like ResumeRabbit. ResumeRabbit allows you to quickly and easily share your resume with 50 of the most popular job sites used by recruiters and hiring managers.
You’ll get maximum exposure to your new and impressive resume with minimal effort.
Networking
You knew we’d get to this point, and we know you didn’t want us to unless you’re a social butterfly. Networking is the part of “search” that could very well (and most likely will) be the way you find your next position.
Networking means nurturing existing relationships and leveraging your personal and professional connections. Your next job could come from your roommate’s sister’s co-worker — you never know.
Did you know you’re 10 times more likely to land a job with an employee referral? Tap into that network! Reconnect, reach out on LinkedIn, and tell everyone you know you’re on the hunt (except your current employer).
If you’re feeling like your network is lacking, check out online groups, meetup groups, conferences — they’re all great ways to expand your network.
Seal the deal
You have prepped, you have searched, and now you have an interview! Get this next section just right, and you are going to close.
Interviews and follow-up
Your hard work has gotten you here, and you’re ready for your interview.
Here’s a quick checklist of interview to-dos and objectives:
- Dress for success. Look at the company’s website and social media presence to get a sense of how employees dress.
- Have your elevator pitch prepped and ready to go. Just don’t over-rehearse, and definitely don’t just regurgitate your resume. Keep it short and sweet, and give the interviewer a glimpse of why you’re the right candidate while highlighting your achievements and personality. You’ve got this.
- Practice answering the questions that make you nervous. You know the ones. The mere thought of them makes your skin crawl. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll definitely get asked them. Prepare, prepare some more, and then practice in front of the mirror.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewers. On the topic of questions to ask, when they ask you, “Do you have any questions for me?” you’ll want to be prepared to give an enthusiastic “Yes!” Have a few of these jotted down in a notebook ahead of time, and you’ll look extra prepared, engaged, and genuinely interested in the role. Asking questions also will help you decide if the job and company are right for you.
Think you’re done once you exit the interview room? Think again.
Next step: follow up. And do so within 24 hours with a thank you letter. It doesn’t need to be a flashy note— just be sure to thank each interviewer for their time, personalize the message, reiterate your sincere interest, and end it with a question.
Something along the lines of, “What do the next steps in this process look like?” will suffice.
Negotiation
One important last step in the process is negotiation. Like any skill, you can learn to be a better negotiator over time — it just takes a little research and a lot of practice. Start with a little online research to make sure the salary you’re asking for is backed up by data.
Next, be clear on your minimum requirements and have a strategy for dealing with counter-offers. Remember, negotiation shouldn’t be a win-lose situation; your goal is to settle on a number that all parties are happy with.
In addition, a compensation package isn’t just about pay. You can negotiate any number of items, from your job title to your number of vacation days, and much more.
We’re here to help you make the job search a success
At Elite Resume Today, we are committed to your job search success. Everything we do is for you: we want to shorten your job search, tell your career story in a powerful and compelling way, help you impress an interviewer, and secure a higher salary.
If you need any support, feel free to chat with us and we’ll do our best to help.
