9 Expert Hiring Tips That'll Help You Get the Job

Going out to look for a job in the real world can be brutal. A lot of times you don't know exactly what employers are looking for or how you can present yourself in the best light.

This is often discouraging─ especially to folks just entering or returning to job searching. But there are ways to increase your chances of landing the gig you want.

If you're currently looking for a job and need to know how to get ahead of the competition? Follow these nine expert hiring tips that’ll help you get the job. 

1. Narrow Down Your Job Search

One of the most ignored hiring tips is the need to narrow down the job search. Most job applicants usually apply to almost every position appearing on job boards. 

If this sounds like you then you may be wasting time and cutting down your chances of standing out. It's better to focus your job search. Figure out what job you want, why you want it and the qualifications that fit you for the position.

You can begin by defining what motivates you. Answer questions like:

• What industries or roles would you love to working in?
• Is there a particular company that has a role that aligns with your motivation?
• Are the growth prospects on offer worth it or quitting your current job? 

The more focused you are, the easier it is to highlight your skills and strengths for a specific role versus multiple.

2. Create a Plan

To stay ahead of the pack, you have to pay attention to this hiring tip─ creating a plan. Few people tend to take the time to plan out their job search. That gives you a leg up over your competition.

Set a time frame for finding your target job. Write down when you’ll network, where you’ll network and the questions you’ll ask your targeted networks. Have your CV updated and tuned in to your targeted positions. 

Having a plan can also help you look more polished and prepared to employers.

3. Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition

Recruiters usually receive tons of applications for every advertised position. It can be tough picking out a candidate if all the CVs are a sea of the same. You have to stand out from the herd by exposing your unique value proposition to the employer.

What makes you different from the rest of the candidates? What impactful thing have you done in your career and how can it help your targeted employer? Let your resume, LinkedIn profiles and website showcase your UVP by showing how you can be an asset to their team.

4. Maximize on References, Recommendations, and Testimonials

One of the rarely used hiring tips is using testimonials and recommendations. Most employers and recruiters would love to verify your working history. 

Recommendations and testimonials are usually not part of a resume. But you can creatively blend them in. Besides, including them on your online pages can arouse more interest in your skills. Good testimonials may convince employers to reach out to you.

5. Brand Yourself

Freelancing has refined how people work and how recruiters hire. Employers use the tips for hiring freelancers to find the right candidates from online sources. A personal brand is as crucial for job searchers as it is for freelancers.

One of the first hiring tips to personal branding is creating an elevator pitch. Honor Society believes your pitch must bring out your why, passion and who you are in seconds. 

Your elevator pitch is your most useful weapon, whether online or offline. Aside from this, you want to make sure that your image stays consistent on your website, social profiles, as well as when networking.

6. Up Your Networking Game 

If you want to increase the chances of landing your targeted job, you have to build the right networks. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals consider networking necessary for success. 35% of LinkedIn users said a casual conversation on the app led them to a new opportunity.

Effective networking may mean letting everyone you meet know what you’re good at or skilled in. Remember, you’re selling or promoting your trade. Talking only to the bigwigs may not produce results faster so treat every conversation outdoors as a chance to build your brand. 

Also, remember to follow-up with people that you reach out to. This is a key factor in networking and relationship building. Consider using CRMs (customer relationship managers) to help you keep up with your connections.

7. Establish Yourself as a Reliable and Dependable Worker

Just because you’re looking for a new job doesn’t mean demeaning your current job. You have to establish yourself as a reliable and dependable worker. 

If you’re employed, give your best and establish strong workplace relationships. Your immediate supervisor could be one of your referrals. You have to leave an impression of integrity and professionalism. 

For entry-level job seekers, the best hiring tips involve focusing on building your profile. You have to present yourself well both online and offline. Create professional accounts that showcase your skills. 

Adopt a professional dressing code that showcases your seriousness. You also have to develop a positive rapport with your networks. Let your career coaches, mentors or former supervisors know your commitment and interests. 

8. Tailor Your Resume Based on the Job Requirements

You may have seen many hiring process tips highlighting the value of finding the correct match for each position. Have you ever asked yourself how employers wean out candidates to remain with a select few? 

Imagine your recruiter facing a stockpile of CVs. It's very time consuming to go through the entire bunch so employers often use applicant tracking systems to drop some candidates. You should be customizing your resume to ensure it contains the keywords found in a job description. 

You may also seek referrals to give yourself the upper hand. Use your networks to get your foot into the front door. If you don’t know anyone in the company, use LinkedIn. Ask your connection to recommend your profile to the hiring manager. 

Use These Hiring Tips to Land Your Next Job 

These expert hiring tips may help you score several interviews. But that isn’t the end of the job searching game. You have to follow-up while hunting for new opportunities.

The most important factor is that you stay consistent and keep putting your best foot forward even through rejections. If you want to join a community of high achievers to help push you along your career journey, become a member of the Honor Society today.