While it can feel like you need luck to get your foot in the door with a company you want to work for, that’s not exactly true. You just need to make your own luck to land the job you want. Here are a few areas to focus your energy so you can turn that “luck” into getting an interview.
Research employers
You should never go into an interview — or even apply for a job — without doing your due diligence on the company. A quick Google search can help you find out important information about the company, like their history, benefits, culture and values.
While researching, make sure to jot down a few notes. This will help you remember specific information that stood out to you if you make it to the interview stage, especially if you’re applying to multiple companies.
Sign up for job alerts
Once you’ve narrowed down your prospects, sign up for job alerts and follow social media accounts, especially the careers accounts, of those companies. Getting notified when an employer you’re interested in has job postings will help you be first in the door in terms of applicants, which research shows gives you an advantage.
Update and add personal branding to your documents
Create your resume, cover letter, references and digital portfolio in a way so they look like they came from the same person. If all of your documents are cohesive and branded, you’ll stand out to the employer.
Double-check your LinkedIn
Assume employers will look you up, so think of LinkedIn as your living, breathing resume. Ensure your LinkedIn profile has your most recent information — and if you don’t have one at all, get one! Consider updating your profile photo to a professional headshot if your current one is out of focus, a selfie or some 7-year-old party picture you cropped your date out of.
Dress to impress
In your research, you should be able to get a feel for the dress code. The recruiter may also give you tips about what to wear. If you still aren’t sure, simply ask the recruiter what the dress code is. When all else fails, dress professionally in clothing that you feel confident and comfortable wearing.
Bring your lucky charm with you
Doing or wearing things you consider lucky could allow you to relax a little bit during the process, making your interview go more smoothly. It could be as simple as wearing a bracelet you wore on a good day, putting on a lucky shirt you wore to your last successful interview or even drinking a cup of your favorite coffee.
Setting yourself up for success by getting organized and prepared creates your own luck when applying and interviewing for a new job. For more in-depth interview tips and tricks, check out our careers blog.
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