how to get the job you deserve

     The past few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. On top of wrapping up my college career and moving - the most dauntless task has presented itself... LANDING A JOB! From countless phone interviews, cover letters, LinkedIn messages, etc... Finding a job has become a job in itself. It has been overwhelming, but I have successfully landed my first full time position. My best advice is to know your worth, create a portfolio, and maintain the hustle everyday.
     Also, if you really want to work for a specific company or move somewhere - remember how young we are. You have plenty of time. Even if you have to initially accept a different type of role or not live in your dream city. Hard work always pays off and if you keep the drive nothing can stop the plan for your life. 
      Here are my tips on how to differentiate yourself and get the person's attention who matters the most - the hiring manager. Who's ready to graduate? 

What Do I Say to a Recruiter?
 In the business world - it is just as important who you know as what you know. If a friend or family member happens to work at a company you are interested in reach out. You can send a friendly Facebook message or write to them on LinkedIn. But what if you don't know anyone? It can be nerve-racking to reach out to someone online, and on top of that what are you even supposed to say? Thankfully, recruiters like to get to the point. Your message can be short - this one is my go-to. 

How Do I Stand Out?
This is a tricky one. Having a flashy resume and cover letter are great, but in a pool of hundreds of applicants it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle. I usually like to follow-up with a phone call to the company 3-5 days after submitting my application. This shows 1. you are very interested 2. you are driven. Also, the biggest thing that has helped me not only look professional but impress potential employers is my portfolio. I highly suggest even if you don't have an extensive resume starting a blog or creating content will make you unique. Although it seemed cheesy at the time, this is the picture I submitted with my original application to KIND. My hiring manager was impressed I went out of my way to GO ABOVE WHAT IS EXPECTED.  I can attribute it to why I got the job (thanks for the idea Mom). 

Can I Create One Resume and Cover Letter?
The answer to this is absolutely NOT. Unfortunately, having a standard resume and cover letter will come across as generic and unimpressive. Hiring managers will know you are applying to countless jobs, and it may come across as lazy if you do not put in the effort to customize it. Think of it like a friend sending you a chain e-mail. You may wonder if it is even relevant to you or if you are getting spammed. If you want to differentiate yourself, then you have to try. Definitely do not scrap your cover letter or resume completely, but look at the job description and put a few bullets to what your relatable skills are. See below for my example of a job posting and cover letter. 

Where Do I Look For a Job?
So the harsh reality is many companies hire internally. If they do post the job online by the end of the day job sites like LinkedIn and Monster will be swarmed with applicants. Do not be discouraged though. The best way to reach a company is through the Human Resources department. If they do not have their team members listed on LinkedIn, it never hurts to give the company a call. People like helping college students / recent grads. Even if the company is not hiring most people will say send me your resume anyways - if something opens you will be first on our list. BINGO! 

How Should I Answer Interview Questions?
This is your moment- you have worked so hard to get to this point of getting the hiring manager to interview you. Come prepared to be asked lots of scenario questions to prove you are a team player. Be poised in your answers - easier said than done- but remember they are already interested in you! Let your confidence shine. My favorite method for answering questions like what is your biggest failure or tell me about a time you went above and beyond is the STAR model. 

How Do I Handle Rejection?
Let's be real- nobody likes hearing the word "no". But look at all your greatest role models from celebrities to family members - they all have one thing in common. Adversity. I listen to countless podcasts like Gary Vaynerchuk and Tony Robbins. They will keep you positive and tell you to keep aligning your purpose with your passion. 

© Copyright 2018 Rachael Maurais