How to think like an employer during your job search
If you’re just beginning your job search or you’ve been searching for several months, it’s a good idea to consider the perspective of the employer when searching for jobs.
By thinking like an employer during your job search, you can differentiate yourself among the pool of job seekers. This mindset can help you become more knowledgeable as a candidate and employers will view you as a well-researched professional during the interview process. You will also discover your job search leading you toward positions with the right employers who are the best fit for you.
Find a company that fits your needs.
During the hiring process, employers are looking for candidates who are the best fit for their company. When you’re doing your search, it’s very important to have this similar mindset. Think about your wants, needs, and goals when it comes to having a job you enjoy. It’s also a good idea to ask yourself if you are looking for a job or career. If you take the time to find a company that satisfies your needs, you will increase the likelihood of advancing your career. When you search for a position that satisfies these goals, you will increase the likelihood of finding a job that inspires you and motivates you to excel at work.
Investigate the company.
One of the first things an employer will do before the interview is Google their candidates. As a job seeker, doing company research is a must. When offered an interview by a company, it’s important to do as much research as possible prior to the interview. Learn about the company’s mission as well its values, clients, and accomplishments to help you gain an idea of the company’s purpose.
The second part of your investigation should include researching the company’s online presence. Find out if the company is on Facebook, Twitter, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn. By searching for the company on difference social networks, you can gain a better understanding of the company’s culture. This way, when you know more about the company, you will feel more confident during the interview process.
Choose your questions wisely.
In the initial interview for the position, there are certain questions you should ask to show you researched the company. During the first interview, ask questions related to the position and company culture. When you enter the second round of interviews, it’s important to ask questions that show how knowledgeable you are about the company’s success. These questions will come from the research you did on recent press releases and news articles about the company. By carefully selecting the questions you ask during each interview, the interviewer will see how thoughtful you were while researching the company.
Remember, quality over quantity.
As you are applying for jobs, make sure you are applying for positions at companies where you can see yourself develop your skills and gain valuable experience. While it’s tempting to apply to every open position during your search, make sure you are thoughtful about the companies to which you apply. Employers are looking for quality candidates, so you must look for quality employers. Make sure you apply to positions where you can see your career moving forward.
By focusing your job search from the perspective of the employer, you will find it easier to discover great opportunities for your career. Sometimes it can be easy for you to get caught up in finding your “dream job.” However, the more diligent you are in your search by considering what companies meet your needs, you will come one step closer to discovering your dream job. This way, by thinking like an employer during your job search, you will find the company that is truly the best fit for you!
Heather R. Huhman is a Glassdoor career and workplace expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the instructor of Find Me A Job: How To Score A Job Before Your Friends, author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010), and writes career and recruiting advice for numerous outlets.
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