Contents
  1. Quick Summary
  2. Focus on Your Brand
  3. Update Social Media
  4. Research Asking for Your Salary Wants
  5. Check-In or Follow-Up Regularly
  6. Follow Up with Potential Employers
  7. Go to the Employer’s Website
  8. Create a Job Interviews Cheat Sheet
  9. Choose to Always Upload Your Resume
  10. Use Keywords to Beat the ATS
  11. Update Your Resume for Every Job
  12. Seek Out Companies You’re Interested In
  13. Include a Cover Letter
  14. Conclusion

Looking for a new job can be frustrating and even heartbreaking. Sometimes it feels like a monumental task. But there are some hacks that will get the perfect job. One such method is a genius Google hack shared by Marni on TikTok, which helps job seekers find and apply for new job roles before anyone else by using specific search formats and filters on Google. Here are 12 genius job search hacks you must know.

1. Focus on Your Brand

build your own brand

Know exactly who you are, what your qualifications are and what you want to do with them. If you want to be a marketing director or a social media manager, ensure everything like your resume, LinkedIn, social media bios, etc. spell out this is what you are. You shouldn’t have your resume saying one thing and social media saying another. This will look confusing to a recruiter, and they may not feel that you’re committed to any one job. Tailor your resume to highlight the unique skills and experiences the hiring manager is looking for to improve your chances of getting called in for an interview.

2. Update Social Media

social media

Although you’ll have personal photos and comments, keep in mind that recruiters will look at your Facebook page or any other social media. Your social media accounts must have an underlying air of professionalism. In other words, no pictures of you doing shots on vacation.

3. Research Asking for Your Salary Wants

salary

Every recruiter will ask you what amount of salary you are looking for. Be prepared for this and have a number in mind. You can find the answer to this question by checking job listings within your field. Tailor your resume for specific job ads and reach out to companies directly to increase your chances. What are these postings saying they are willing to pay for that position? The website Payscale may also help. It offers salary calculators to determine your worth to a potential employer. Knowing your salary makes you appear confident and knowledgeable with not only your role but also the industry.

4. Check-In or Follow-Up Regularly

phone call

Job hunting requires a thoughtful and strategic approach, including maintaining contact with companies as part of a successful job hunting strategy. Check job boards regularly. You don’t want to miss any opportunities. Keep in mind that job searching isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The right opportunity may not be available today, but tomorrow, there may be several in your field. Don’t give up; keep checking those boards.

5. Follow Up with Potential Employers

employer meeting

Even if you aren't hired, follow up. They may tell you they've set your resume aside for later opportunities. But remind them about your skills periodically. We're not saying to be a pest, but monthly, send them an email just letting them know you're interested. You'll be the first one called if there’s an opening.

6. Go to the Employer’s Website

website

If you see an employer advertising on a job site, visit the company’s website. They may have job openings listed there. Just scroll to the bottom of their home page and click on careers. Sometimes, they’ll have all their openings. Apply through the site in a timely manner to gain a competitive edge. That way you won’t get lost in the hundreds of applicants that apply through the job site.

7. Create a Job Interviews Cheat Sheet

interview

Keep a bullet list handy of all your professional accomplishments and salary requirements. You never know when a phone call interview may happen. Recruiters can assist with preparing for job interviews, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident. It’s also best to have it off-camera if you’re interviewed online. By having your cheat sheet, you won’t forget anything vital that could help you nail the interview.

8. Choose to Always Upload Your Resume

resume

If you’re a job seeker facing challenges in the tough job market and applying on a job board, choose the option to upload your resume instead of filling out an online application. That way your resume will look how you want it. You won’t get lost in the online application format. And it will save you time.

9. Use Keywords to Beat the ATS

job search

Human Resource Directors use the applicant tracking software (ATS) to screen applicants. A savvy tech strategy to maximize job search efficiency is to use a specific Google search method that helps job seekers quickly find job postings within the first 24 hours of their posting. That means if you don’t get by the computer, your resume won’t be seen by a person. To beat the ATS use the keywords found in the job description in both your resume and cover letter. For example, if the job description says you must be fluent in Adobe CS, ensure that keyword is in your resume and cover letter. Or if the job description mentions a duty must be performed, such as “managing the sales pipeline”, make sure that’s in both the resume and cover letter. You’ll stand a better chance of beating the ATS and getting to a real person if you use keywords.

10. Update Your Resume for Every Job

resume

No one likes to do this time, but it’s vital if you want to get that interview. Tailoring your resume to the specific job requirements mentioned in the job ads is crucial. For one, it lets you put those crucial keywords in and lets the employer know that you are truly interested in their position. They can spot a canned resume and it just doesn

11. Seek Out Companies You’re Interested In

employer

If you’ve heard good things about a company and think you might be a fit, seek them out. Identifying new job opportunities through networking events can also be crucial in this process. Go to their website and see if they’re hiring. Just look under careers and find out if they’re hiring. If it doesn’t say, then at least you can get the contact information for human resources and inquire directly.

12. Include a Cover Letter

cover letter

Even if the job doesn’t require a cover letter, send one. Applying to job postings within the first 24 hours significantly increases your chances of a callback. A cover letter not only lets the employer know about your experience but also tells them about you. It’s a way for you to stick out in a crowded room. And don’t forget to add those important keywords we mentioned. But don’t make it stilted like a list. Put some action verbs in your cover letter to help stand out and show you're motivated and ready to take on a new opportunity.

Conclusion

The most essential items you should take from this list are updating and customizing your cover letter and resume. The competitive nature of the job market makes it crucial to use specific search methods to gain an edge. That shows a deep interest and will help you land that perfect job.

Bob Haegele

About the Author

Bob Haegele Bob Haegele

Bob Haegele, your personal finance guru, draws on years of experience to simplify complex financial concepts and offer actionable advice.

Dedicated to helping you achieve financial success, Bob is here to guide you through every step of your journey to financial freedom with expertise in areas such as investing, student loans, and credit cards. His work has appeared on Business Insider, CreditCards.com, and other nationally recognized outlets.

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