If you’re looking to get into the job market for the first time, or you need to switch careers since you’re not currently being challenged, not knowing where to start is normal. Looking for a job can be a long-winded and complicated process that no one tells you how to navigate. Luckily, we live in the era of the internet, and you have come to a good starting place.
Looking for a job is nerve-wracking – but getting insider knowledge into the minds of employers can make the process a lot easier. Here are five things you should know about employers when it comes to job searching.
- Background Checks
Every company is going to perform background checks on their potential new employees. While all screening services are highly classified and are subject to strict privacy protections, a lot of your information is available to them, like your credit information and any criminal records. Be aware of this and be ready to explain anything that might crop up during your background check.
- Schooling vs Experience
When looking at resumes, employers look at the whole document rather than parts of it. Many companies get hundreds of sheets a day, making them have to scan through rather than focus on specifics. Having a good education is important, but it’s not the only thing that employers look at. They also look at your work experience and how it can help you fulfill the position. Be sure to explain how your experiences make you fit for that specific role role.
- Talking Points
When you’re interviewing for a job, make sure that you keep your talking points sweet, short, and relevant to the question asked. It’s also essential to make sure that you avoid discussing the negative aspects of your current job (if applicable). Even if there is a dispute, focus on the positives that you gained from that job but how you want something more challenging or right for you going forward.
- Dress to Fit the Company Culture
Every job has a dress code, no matter how casual the position might seem from the job advertising or company culture. If you’re interviewing for a new job, choose the outfit that matches best with the aesthetic of the company.
For example, applying for a position in a law firm demands a nice suit or business professional attire for the interview. On the other hand, if you’re interviewing for a photography position, you can be a bit more artistic with your outfit. Even better would be to scope out the kind of things current managers wear and copy them. The more you can make yourself look like a good fit for the company, the better chance you have at being hired.
- The Job
The company is hiring for the position for a reason. There are a variety of reasons that a position in a business opens up and becomes available for a new worker. While interviewing, don’t ask the employer why they opened up the position. Do research beforehand to figure out why it may be.
The employer is looking to see how you fit into the position and will inevitably compare you to the previous person who filled the role. If you know a bit about the situation, you can go into the interview better prepared.
Job Hunting Is a Two-Way Street
Though it doesn’t seem like it, job hunting goes both ways. You’re looking for the perfect position to suit your needs and the company is looking for someone that can do the job well. Try your best to look at the job search as a meeting of equals rather than a desperate search for work.
