Mary's Most Advantageous Tricks to Get You Hired

I am two months into being unemployed and it has been quite an adventure. I think it would be prudent to acknowledge some things I have learned in the process of applying to approximately 50 positions.

1. Personalize your cover letter. Find out who the contact is and mention a recent announcement of the firm.



2. Update your resume with each job you apply to. Take words or pieces of the job description and make sure they are covered in your resume. You want to make sure the employer knows your qualified.



3. Print on resume paper. By spending a little extra money you are showing the employer your dedication to the position.



4. Type the address on the envelope. It looks classy, neat, and simple.
   


5. Call regularly. First call to introduce yourself and make sure they have received your resume. Also ask when they plan on reviewing the applications. Second, call once a week to let them know you are still interested. It is helpful to write out an elevator pitch highlighting a strength and/or why you are meant for the job each time you call. When you are speaking to them have the job description out and a copy of your resume on your desk so it is easy to reference in case the phone call turns in to an impromptu interview.


6. Research the company. You can do so by looking at their website and doing a simple Google search to see what others think about them. By researching, it will give you a better idea of whom you will be working for, point out any shady areas that you might want to stay away from, or give you material to use in your interview.


7. Come prepared to an interview. Prepared means a business suit that is dry cleaned, a modest amount of jewelry, extra copies of your resume, and arriving 15 minutes early.


8. Have questions. This is one of the easiest places to be dumbfounded when you have no questions. I have a list of five or six general questions that I reference in addition to one or two that are company specific. A good question to wrap things up is "When will I be hearing from you?"


9. Say thank you. This part post interview is also significantly overlooked. I collect business cards from everyone I meet with (and if they do not have one I write down their name) so I know whom to send the letters to. Depending on the formality of the interview and if I am expecting a second one I will either type up a formal thank you letter highlighting my strengths and something that interviewer mentioned during the interview or send a handwritten thank you note.


10. Follow up. It is always a good idea to touch base once a week to make sure they still know you are interested and why you are the best candidate for the job.

All these tips are things that have helped me to differentiate myself from the competitors. While it may take a little extra time, it will be worth it in the long run.

What tips would you add to the list?