Job Search Hacks for finding great jobs in Redmond

Use Google Alerts

The best way to guarantee that you are tailoring and targeting your interview information for a specific company is to make sure you’re keeping up on all their news and information.  Using a service like Google Alerts can save you precious time by doing the digging for you!  Signing up with Google Alerts is quick and easy and once you’re all done, you’ll start getting email alerts any time a news story appears for whatever specific terms you’ve set up.  With just a few clicks of your mouse and a little bit of information from you, news stories and current events related to the companies you select are automatically delivered to your email box.  This is one job interview tip that will keep you abreast of all of the important things that are affecting your industry and the company you are interviewing with.

Identify a Problem and Fix It

In many cases, a company will be hiring for a position in order to solve a problem or remedy an issue they have been facing. By studying the job description you can often tell if this is the case for the position you are interviewing for. If this is the case, take this opportunity to prepare a one-page proposal that outlines how you would solve the problem that the company is facing… and be specific! Even if they aren’t looking for you to solve the problem in the interview, they will be impressed that you took the initiative and more importantly, that as a hire, you will bring a lot of value to their organization.

Follow Up! (Before You Leave the Interview)

Make sure you follow up before you even leave the interview. At the end of your interview, make sure to reinforce the idea that you’re interested in the job. Wrap up with a phrase like “I’m really looking forward to an opportunity to be a part of such a dynamic company and I really hope you select me.”

Follow up that statement with a few questions about the next steps you should expect.

Not only are you gathering what could be valuable prep information, it’s showing them that you’re eager to continue on and do whatever it takes to get to the subsequent round. If the interviewer is vague, it’s a great opportunity to ask them what they’re vague about and help clarify any questions they might have that weren’t answered in the interview. Now is also the time to get a clear idea of the time table they have. When will selected applicants be asked back for subsequent interviews or to meet other people? Do they have a specific date in mind that they’d like to have the position filled by?

Asking questions like these reinforce the idea that you’re enthusiastic about the job…and it lets you know what their schedule is so you’re not blindly waiting.

Know what you want before you start your 2019 job search.

Identify your ideal job target before commencing a search.

If you don’t know what your ideal job looks like you won’t know how to find it or execute a clear strategy with well-aligned tools (resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.).
Start by identifying the job title and work requirements that interest you.

Consider the type of work environment you perform best in (team-based, independent, or a combination of both). Ponder preferred company size, industry, culture, location, and structure. Now create a target list of companies that align with these requirements and start researching opportunities.

If opportunities don’t yet exist, strategize on how to create them. Leverage your network and the power of internal referrals to support your search execution. Let people know who you are, the value you have to offer, and exactly what you are looking for. Aim to make contact with decision-makers.

Finally, develop strong, relevant career tools that speak to, and address, the pain points of your ideal job and unique audience.

These combined efforts will prevent you from spinning your wheels and relying on an outdated ‘spray and pray’ job search approach. Targeted efforts are what will increase job search success in 2019.

Things to consider before accepting a job interview in Redmond

In reality every job interview is an opportunity but before you go down the path of saying yes to every interview that comes your way consider these three things.

1. Make sure you and the hiring manager are on the same page. 

It’s easy for information to be lost when it’s passed down from top management, so make sure you know exactly what you’ll be discussing. If you’re looking for a full-time job, confirm that it’s not a freelance position. If you have management experience, confirm that it’s not entry-level. The last thing you want is an expensive plane ticket that leads you nowhere.

2. Address any other concerns. 

If you’re clear on the position but still feel on-the-fence, you can buy yourself more time to think by asking questions. If you have salary requirements or are curious about the company’s parental leave policy, it’s totally OK to ask for that information upfront. This new data gives you an opportunity to reconsider—and if you do back out, it’s time saved on both ends, not just yours.

3. Finally, ask yourself, “Would I accept this job if they offered it to me?” 

So you’re clear on the title and parental leave policy is, like, 10 years down the road for you. Still, it’s a good idea go back and give the job description another good, hard read (because let’s be honest, it may have been weeks since you applied). Now that time has gone by and new opportunities have come down the pipeline, are you still interested? If you can no longer see yourself accepting the position, then there’s no reason to take the interview. Simply say your circumstances have changed and thank them for the consideration.

Job Search in 2019

Determine What Job You Want and Are Eligible For

Before you start looking for a job, you have to figure out what position you want. Have a specific job title in mind, and then do some research to determine the keywords you’ll use when you start looking for jobs.

When you start job searching, the job description, responsibilities, and requirements will tell you more than the title alone, as titles and roles tend to vary between companies. It can also be a helpful exercise to write a sample job description outlining your ideal position.

Although it’s acceptable to apply to several “reach” positions, don’t waste your time searching for or applying to jobs that you are clearly unqualified for. Figure out in advance how you’re going to decide which jobs to apply to, then actively keep these parameters in mind when you’re job hunting.

Take control of your job search like a boss.

Consider the hiring manager’s perspective

Keep in mind that, even if you’re desperate for a job, the company is almost as anxious to find someone capable to hire. Most companies need to attract the best talent, but don’t have their pick. Even at Google, the talent war is real.

And here’s a pro-tip that will help boost your confidence: The hiring manager wants to hire someone who will make them look good in front of their boss.

If you can show them that you are that person, then you’ll be exponentially more successful in your interviews.

Prepare to answer classic interview questions

Interviews have enough unknown variables to potentially throw you off. Because of this, you should try to prepare for as many of the known variables as you can. These are questions like…

  • “Tell me about yourself.”
  • “What’s your greatest weakness?”
  • “What’s your biggest strength?”
  • “Tell me about the time you overcame a challenge.”

The thing is, you can crack almost any interview, as long as you have a good answer to the tell-me-about-yourself question. Don’t make it chronological. Instead, pick 3 qualities and tell 1 story for each.

Competence Triggers

Have a firm handshake

When you walk into the interview room, subtly wipe your possibly clammy/sweaty hands on your pants or skirt and get ready for the first competence trigger – the handshake. If the interviewer doesn’t initiate one, feel free to extend your hand yourself, and give their hand one firm shake.

Relax

I know, I know – relaxing in an interview is easy to say, but hard to do. Here are a couple tactics that you can use to stay relaxed and confident:

  • Remind yourself of the work you’ve done upfront – Practice interviews, research, coffee meetings, etc. If you’ve done your best to prepare, then you’ll do your best at the interview – which is all that you can ask of yourself, whether or not you get the job. In line with that…
  • Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” – More often than not, that means totally bombing the interview and not getting the job – not fun, but then again, it’s not the end of the world, either.

If you have time, you can also quickly run to the washroom to calm yourself down, have a few quiet moments, and take a few deep breaths.

Show your excitement and enthusiasm

You can do that by reminding yourself about how cool the job or company sounds in the job description, or even about all the stuff you can buy once the dough starts rolling in – whatever gets your blood pumping.

So, before you walk into the interview room, slap on a big grin on your face, and reflect your enthusiasm in your…

Body language

In an interview, you want to come across as confident and personable. How to be more personable will be covered in the next section, but to accomplish the first one, you need to take up space when you sit, and minimize movement. If you’re sitting in a chair, lean forward a little – this shows that you’re interested. Speaking with your hands is OK, so long as you slow down your movements.

 

Remember these things when looking for a job

1. Invest in Learning Technical Skills

Technical and specialized skills are among the top attributes employers seek. According to surveys, job seekers commonly report that lacking technical skills is their biggest weakness. This is a critical area for improvement, as 25% of employers rank technical skills among the top skills they look for in candidates. (Atto Time, Erin)

Taking online courses to improve in areas like coding, data analysis, or software proficiency can boost your confidence and make you a stronger candidate. Despite the importance of these skills, over 40% of job seekers have never taken online training​. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer various affordable courses that can fill in these gaps.

Tip: Identify the specific technical skills in demand for your desired job role and invest time in upskilling.

2. Highlight Internships, Not GPA

For recent graduates, many believe that their academic performance is the key to landing a job. However, employers often prioritize experience over grades. Internships offer practical, real-world experiences that give hiring managers a clearer picture of your ability to apply knowledge. Even if your GPA is impressive, showcasing hands-on projects and tasks from internships will carry more weight in an interview​. (Erin)

Tip: On your résumé, focus more on the skills and responsibilities from internships, particularly those relevant to the job you’re applying for.

3. Prepare for a Job-Related Test

It’s common for employers to use practical assessments as part of the hiring process. In fact, 57% of employers administer tests or exercises to evaluate job candidates​. (Enterprise Apps Today) These tests might be related to the job’s technical requirements or assess problem-solving abilities. Knowing this in advance allows you to prepare and practice relevant skills, which can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.

Tip: Be sure to ask beforehand if there will be any assessments and what they will involve, so you can tailor your preparation accordingly.

By investing in technical skills, emphasizing practical experience through internships, and preparing for potential tests, you’ll be better equipped to meet the expectations of today’s job market.

Network your way to success in Seattle

Learn How to Effectively Network

Networking is a critical skill in today’s job market, where job opportunities are increasingly scarce and competition is higher than ever. To succeed in your job search, relying solely on sending out resumes or browsing job boards may not be enough. Networking can help you tap into the “hidden job market”—positions that are never publicly advertised but are filled through personal connections and referrals.

1. Expand Your Network

Engage with people in various industries, even those outside your field. Job seeker support groups, continuing education courses, or unemployment seminars provide excellent opportunities to meet others in a similar situation. Building relationships with people from diverse professional backgrounds increases your chances of hearing about job openings or meeting someone who can refer you to a position.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of connections outside your field. Even if someone isn’t directly involved in your industry, they may have contacts or information that can lead you to new opportunities.

2. Maintain and Nurture Relationships

Networking is a two-way street. Once you’ve established a connection, stay in touch with the people you’ve met. If you land a job, continue to offer assistance to others in your network, as this strengthens your professional relationships and builds goodwill for the future. A solid network can provide support throughout your career, not just during your job search.

3. Tap Into the Hidden Job Market

Research shows that up to 70-80% of jobs are part of the hidden job market, filled through referrals and personal connections rather than public postings. Effective networking increases your access to these opportunities, helping you bypass the competition in public job searches. Attending networking events, leveraging LinkedIn connections, or joining industry-specific groups can significantly increase your chances of finding these hidden roles.

Tip: Regularly attend industry meetups, virtual networking events, or professional association meetings to keep your network strong and stay updated on unadvertised job openings.

Mastering the art of networking can help you access more job opportunities, increase your professional visibility, and build lasting relationships that support your career development over time.

Job Search Strategies for Bellevue

Be Patient and Strategic, Not Impulsive and Desperate

Heading into your job search without clear intentions is like going grocery shopping parched and famished – and, as we all know, nothing good ever comes from shopping on an empty stomach. (If you don’t know, now you know.) Instead, first construct a plan that incorporates your skills, your expectations, and your short- and long-term career goals.

Be sure to take a day or two mapping out a career plan that reflects what you’re good at and where you want to be. This is the time to be realistic about your qualifications, experience, and future. By doing so, you are less likely to make the all-too-common mistake of being a desperate, needy candidate who will take any old job that’s thrown his way. Instead, focus on finding a career that aligns with your wants and needs, both professionally and personally, and head into your job hunt with the mentality that you’re searching for a dream career, not a paycheck.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Feeding off of the whole “don’t be desperate and impulsive” thing, it’s crucial to value quality over quantity when it comes to finding a lasting and fulfilling career. Far too many candidates make the mistake of assuming that casting a wide net when applying for any and all available jobs is the way to go; however, this mentality couldn’t be more incorrect. Applying to tons of jobs blindly because you figure you’re bound to land one is reckless and a great way to wind up back in the job-hunting world before you know it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting an employer – any employer, really – to call you back for a job interview because any job is better than no job, right? Well, not really.

Sometimes in life, beggars can’t be choosers. Of course, if you’re in a situation where you need to earn a paycheck to keep a roof over your family’s head and food in their bellies, then, by all means, go out and earn a living – there’s no shame in that whatsoever. But focus your long-term plans on building the career you want, and targeting opportunities appropriately.

 

3 ways to land your new job in Lynnwood

1.       Be honest about your current situation. If you have no degree or certifications, just understand you may have a tough time with your job search. Understand your weaknesses and strengths and really think about what you want to do.

2.       Check your network. Somehow we believe that if we have hundreds, maybe thousands, of followers and friends, that we have a valuable network, but that’s not true. Check your network, maybe some of them have retired, gotten laid off, decided to launch their own business, fallen ill, or having a tough time themselves. If that is the case, then they won’t be able to help you find a job and the number 1 way to get a job is through a referral! Check your network.

3.       Update your credentials. Yes, as a resume writer of course I am going to suggest that you update your resume credentials but it not only because it’s my business, it’s because it is very important, just ask any recruiter. They are looking at everything now – your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and social media. Get yourself updated.

Looking for a new job

1. Do Your Homework

When searching for a job, you should treat the process similarly to how sales professionals approach their work. Success in sales relies on three key activities: prospecting, presenting, and following up. The same principles apply to job hunting.

  • Prospect: Develop as many job leads as possible. This will increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.
  • Research: Before reaching out to anyone, thoroughly research the company, the hiring manager, and the industry. This homework will help you tailor your outreach and show you’re serious about the role.

Tip: Use LinkedIn and company websites to learn about decision-makers and company values. Tailored outreach can set you apart from other candidates.

2. Conduct an Internet Job Search

The internet has become a critical tool for job hunting, and using it effectively is a skill developed over time. Start by visiting popular job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Use variations of job titles to search widely, as different companies may use different terms for similar positions.

Pro Tip: Be creative with your search terms. A marketing manager at one company could be a digital marketing coordinator at another. Adjust your keywords to capture all relevant listings.

3. Gather Information from Multiple Job Sites

Different job boards cater to different industries and positions. Some may specialize in tech jobs, while others focus on local markets or specific roles like management or sales.

  • Strategy: Just like you wouldn’t buy the first house you see, don’t settle for the first job posting you come across. Research average salaries, company culture, and the specific duties of similar positions at different companies. This ensures you make an informed decision.

Key Insight: Keep in mind that the same job title can have vastly different responsibilities depending on the company, so gathering data from multiple sources will help you better evaluate potential opportunities.

By taking the time to research and prospect thoroughly, you’ll be better equipped to find a job that not only aligns with your skills but also offers the growth and culture you’re looking for.