The job market is tough, especially today in a difficult economy. Employers are not only being more selective about whom they hire for economical reasons, they are not taking any risks that could harm their business when it comes to hired help. They want the best candidate, someone who fits the position they are looking to fill and who they believe will carry out the job requirements to the best of their ability. It is then your responsibility to show recruiters and employers that you are the right match for the job. Here are some tips that will show you how to do so.

Create a Job Specific Resume
Your resume is an employer’s first impression of you, aside from your application. If at first glance they find nothing within it that would lead them to believe you are a qualified candidate for the position you inquired about, they will pass you over in the first step of the hiring process. Creating a job specific resume is a great way to get your foot in the door. Edit your resume to include only the jobs, educational programs, and training you’ve received that are relevant to the position you are applying for as well as showcase your acquired skills.

Sell Yourself in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is a terrific opportunity for you to show prospective employers that you are the right match for the job. Let them know what you have to offer their company, go into further detail about the skills and experiences you have had in your past, and tell them how you would use those skills and experiences to benefit their company. An employer’s only interest is meeting the needs of their company upon filling a position, not meeting your needs by giving you a position to fill.

Be the Company’s Dream Candidate

Do your research on the company you are applying to and find out what they are looking for in an employee, specifically the position you are applying for. If there is a job description available, be sure to echo the words they used to describe the candidate they are seeking. This is especially true when writing your cover letter and while speaking to a recruiter during an interview. Find out exactly what your potential job entails and give examples of situations you’ve been in at previous places of employment where you had to handle similar issues or had the same requirements. Avoid sounding clichéd; your prospective employer will have gone through dozens of resumes and cover letters from applicants claiming to be flexible, personable, a team player, etc. Don’t use generic terms to describe yourself, be unique and job specific and you will stand out.

Be Persistent

Showing employers that you are serious about a position by following up after your initial inquiry can help immensely; this could be in the form of a simple phone call. You want to show them that you are interested in the job. If you aren’t contacted, call and leave a message or send an email.

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