Partner Article

What Employers are Looking For

Candidates who are currently seeking work would know the current situation of the job market. As there are fewer jobs available, and more candidates, the employers have the freedom to be picky. Therefore, as a candidate, you need to stand out from the rest to improve the chances of getting hired. Before you read the tips on how to stand out, there are a few myths that need to be debunked.

Myths

1. Cover letters are not important

There are different employers out there. While some may completely ignore the cover letters, others may call you for an interview after going through an impressive cover letter. A cover letter shouldn’t be ignored by a candidate.

2. Asking for a low salary makes an impression

Are you a candidate with a feeling that asking for a lower wage would get you a job? It wouldn’t. Employers are looking for the best candidate to fit the job description, and sometimes, they may even pay more if the candidate fits in well. They won’t prefer you just because you were going to settle for a lower wage rate. This might even lead them to think you don’t have the required skills.

3. The references will be limited

If you think the employers would be calling the reference list you provided, then you’re mistaken. They can call former employers, and other people who have not been listed. They would want to make sure that no omission was made intentionally.

These are a few myths about job searching. Attending a specialized program at an institution like a medical or ultrasound technician school is a definite step in the right the direction, but there is more a graduate can do to increase his/her chances of landing a job. You can follow these tips to stand out from other candidates when searching for work.

Tips

1. Connections

If you have connections with other employees at the company you’re applying to, you may use them to stand out. You can find out more about the company, and get an insight scoop before you go in for an interview. Employers may be impressed that you already know so much about the company.

2. Practice

Practicing before an interview can make you stand out. However, your focus should be on questions that can be asked out of the blue. For example, you can be asked about whether you’re active on social media. You should also be dressed up properly when you go for the interview.

3. Present a brand

Yes, you should consider yourself as a brand. This can help you to stand out from the rest of the competition. Employers are smart these days. They are likely to search for your name on search engines, as the majority of job seekers have a profile on social media websites. You should make sure the information they find is presentable. For example, your LinkedIn profile should look professional.

4. Dig deeper

It might be possible that a job description doesn’t clearly state the requirements. To stand out from the rest of the candidates, you can dig deeper. This would require finding out the profile of what the employer considers as an ideal candidate. You can strengthen your resume by mentioning any relevant work you’ve done in the past (volunteering, projects etc.).

Following these tips would give you a higher chance in securing a job.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James .