Tips for Job Application Strategies

Don't ever be the "I should have cared more" person. I can't even begin to tell you how many candidates I have spoken with that not just half-assed a conversation with me, an initial recruiter, but on interviews. They get rejected and then say: "Wow, I really liked that role; I wish I had done some research beforehand." ❇️ The single most important advice for someone looking for a new job is to thoroughly research and understand the company and the position you are applying for. This encompasses several key aspects: 1. **Company Research:**  Learn about the company's mission, values, culture, products or services, and recent developments. ↴ ➡ Deeper than a quick website scan, understanding the company's background and goals will enable you to tailor your application and interview responses to align with what they are looking for in a candidate. 2. **Job Description**  Read the job description carefully to identify the specific skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the role.↴ ➡ This will help you tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experiences and abilities. 3. **Customize Applications**  No one wants to keep entering the same application info each time. But you should avoid sending generic applications to multiple companies. ↴  ➡ Instead, customize (within reason) your resume and cover letter for each application to demonstrate your genuine interest in that particular role and how you can contribute to the company's success. 4. **Interview Preparation**  Prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions and crafting thoughtful responses that showcase your skills and experiences. ↴ ➡ Also, be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position during the interview to demonstrate your genuine interest. 5. **Showcase Your Value** Focus on showcasing the value you can bring to the company rather than solely emphasizing what the job offers. ↴  ➡ Employers are interested in candidates who can solve their problems and contribute to their organization's success. 6. **Positive Online Presence**  Ensure your online presence, including social media profiles and professional platforms like LinkedIn, represents you positively. ↴ ➡ Many employers and recruiters research candidates online before making hiring decisions. Yes, we do look at your profile for consistency, not content. 7. **Patience and Persistence**  Job hunting can sometimes be lengthy, so be patient and persistent. ↴ ➡ Stay positive, keep applying, and continue refining your approach based on feedback and experiences. 👉 By diligently researching and understanding the company and position, you increase your chances of making a solid impression on potential employers and finding a job that aligns with your skills and career goals. 🏆 If you require some personal Career Therapy, hit me up, and we can have a quick, free intro chat! #jobsearch #careerdevelopment #jobsearchadvice

Having walked together through the process of positioning ourselves - 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 in O&G for early career 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 roles. Now, let's look into unconventional strategies that will not only set us apart but also prove highly effective in securing these remote opportunities. Here's how you can make your application standout! ✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨: Instead of the traditional resume, consider creating an interactive portfolio. This could be a website or a document with hyperlinks to projects, achievements, or even a short video introduction. Make it memorable! ✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: Accompany your application with a short cover video. Use this opportunity to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and unique skills. It adds a personal touch that a written cover letter might not convey. ✅ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to highlight your expertise. Share insights about the industry, comment on relevant posts, and engage with professionals. Recruiters often check social profiles, and a strong online presence can make you stand out. ✅ 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: Go beyond describing your skills; showcase them by solving a problem the company might be facing. Create a brief report or presentation demonstrating how you would approach a specific challenge in the role you're applying for. ✅ 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨-𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 & 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬: Equip yourself with specific skills related to the role through online courses or micro-credentials. Mention these in your application to show your commitment to ongoing learning. ✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫: If possible, try to connect with current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. A short, polite message expressing your interest and asking for insights can sometimes lead to valuable information or even a referral. ✅ 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬: Propose a virtual coffee chat to discuss the industry, the company, or even the specific role. This informal conversation can help you build a connection with someone inside the organization and gain insights that go beyond what's on the job description. ✅ 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: Offer your skills on a freelance basis or volunteer for a short-term project. This not only adds experience to your resume but also demonstrates your commitment and adaptability. Now, armed with these insights, take action. 🚀 Your future in the oil and gas industry awaits—seize it with confidence and ingenuity. If you found these tips valuable, consider sharing them with your network. Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What resonated with you, and how do you plan to integrate these strategies into your remote job search⁉️ Share your insights in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.

Working at Boeing, it was common to receive at least 300 applicants in a day! If you're currently on the job hunt and feeling lost in the shuffle, let me share some insights from the hiring trenches and offer some tips to help you navigate this process. Hot Take Aways: 🚀 Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) vary in complexity. Don't be discouraged by a rejection; each system operates differently. You were likely rejected early on by the system and not the team. 🚀 Timing matters. Applying early can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview, even if you're a strong candidate. Jobs will often close without notice as well. For instance, we are only legally required to post a job for 3 days. So don't wait to apply! 🚀 Many take the time to review applications manually and don't rely solely on ATS keywords to filter candidates. For sure, the hiring manager ISN'T. Resume content matters. 🚀 Always follow up with an email or LinkedIn message to express your interest in a role. Further, follow up on other tasks like interview scheduling, prep calls, feedback, etc! Yes, more than once is fine! I often worked with 6-900 active candidates and things simply fall through. I would often start a task to be pulled away. I LOVED when candidates followed up and reminded me or asked the status of pending actions! 🚀 Consider supplementing your application with a portfolio, website, or pitch deck to showcase your skills and experience. This helps tremendously! Be sure it looks professional and is free of grammatical errors. 🚀 Keep a close eye on company career sites and set up alerts for new openings to apply early in the process. Not all jobs get pushed to Indeed/LinkedIn/Other, and setting up for notifications on the company job site can allow you to be the very first to apply! 🚀 Don't underestimate the power of networking. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and reach out to alumni or contacts at companies of interest. Building relationships can lead to insider knowledge and potential job referrals. 🚀 If you've been rejected in the past, don't be afraid to reach out to recruiters or hiring managers for future roles. Seriously, I had someone apply to over 40 of my roles and we FINALLY found their perfect position and hired them!! It did take 3 months of their consistent application. 🚀 Stay resilient. Finding a perfect match for both is hard and believe me, job details will never give a candidate enough to tell if they are that perfect fit. 🚀 In addition to technical qualifications, emphasize your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities BY showcasing them in your communications with the team and by examples in resume, NOT LISTS. Hope this helps! Looking for a role in aerospace engineering, or aircraft maintenance? Drop your resume here: dropbox@aerospacetg.com to have our team dedicate a search for jobs tailored to you!

I do a lot of resume reviews. I offer everyone in my job search support group a free review and I'm always happy to help a job seeker out. But, after doing 100s of reviews, here is something I've noticed: Most challenges in a job search are not about the resume.  They're about the job search strategy. Most folks have a strategy that looks like this: 1. Update resume 2. Apply to jobs 3. Update resume some more 4. Apply to more jobs 5. Rinse and repeat And, while this strategy can work (Yes!  People still get jobs applying cold!), it can also often lead to a very long, arduous process of spinning your wheels and not making the traction you want. Here's how to be more strategic (and get more out of LinkedIn!) : 1️⃣ Start by identifying your target companies. Aim for a list of around 30 organizations that align with your career goals and aspirations. Note: This list can be edited at any time along the journey as you discover new and interesting companies. 2️⃣ Leverage your network on LinkedIn. Identify alumni, first, and second-degree connections at each of your target companies. These connections can be valuable sources of information and insights. 3️⃣ Reach out to your connections. Politely ask for their insights into the company and any tips on positioning yourself effectively for a role in the future.  You can do this by asking for a coffee chat, or through a DM conversation. Their firsthand knowledge can provide you with a competitive advantage. 4️⃣ Get clear on what you want.   When applying for positions, prioritize opportunities that are in line with your values and align with your interests. This focused approach will increase your chances of finding a meaningful and fulfilling role. 5️⃣ Reach back out. Once you've applied, don't hesitate to reach out to your contacts and inform them about your application. Use this opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 pitching yourself as a top candidate. By adopting this strategic approach, you'll notice a shift in the way opportunities come your way. The result? More interviews and a greater likelihood of landing your dream job! -------------------------- P.S. I have a Resume + Job Search support group here on LinkedIn that is open to all jobseekers!  If you're looking for extra support from me and the over 300 job seekers in the group, please join us!  We'd love to have you!  Link in comments!

I applied for ONE job, had ONE interview, and got an offer. OK, that happened in the 90's. Today's job landscape is very different. A full-employment economy, layoffs, and competition have made looking for a job - A FULL-TIME JOB. 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬: ➡️Start their search by applying for jobs that are strong matches ➡️Tweak your resume or job search strategy, and keep applying ➡️As time goes on, apply for jobs that are weaker matches ➡️Look to LinkedIn for ideas, get more confused. ➡️Tweak resume or job search strategy, apply more ➡️Apply for more jobs that are weaker matches. ➡️Resort to mass applying, hoping the 'spray and pray approach works. It's a horrible, painful job search cycle. As the search takes longer, job seekers feel of angry, disappointed, and frustrated. I see the LinkedIn posts and it breaks my heart. This approach is haphazard and wastes so much time! 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: ➡️Update your resume to focus on your TARGET JOB. ➡️Update your LinkedIn (recruiters may look at your profile first!) ➡️Put a job search strategy together (WRITE IT DOWN) ➡️Stay focused on jobs with 80% match or higher ➡️Include strategies for networking, posting on LinkedIn ➡️Target 5-10 quality applications per week ➡️If you are getting interviews your strategy is working! 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 NOT 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: ➡️Focus on jobs with higher than 80% matches ➡️Change the industries or size of companies you are applying to ➡️Seek help from trusted sources for honest feedback ➡️Assess if you need to change your target job ➡️If you have time/resources, strengthen your resume with strategic learning or volunteer work. ➡️Evaluate your resume for how strongly the accomplishments connect to the jobs you are applying to. (Use a friend or coach to help) ➡️Rinse, repeat, and keep re-assessing regularly. Applying to hundreds of jobs with a 50% skill match wastes your time. 💡Regularly assessing and thoughtfully modifying your job search plan can keep you focused and efficient. 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫--->There's nothing wrong with you. 𝐀 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩:  Schedule a free consultation - https://bit.ly/49HJnAU Get my free JobNav Guide - https://bit.ly/3Tlovtr Ask me a question!

I recently conversed with an individual who diligently sent his resume to 255 potential employers yet received responses from only five entities. Admittedly, I haven't actively pursued a full-time job for over a decade. Nonetheless, I found his experience disheartening. Upon requesting his resume and cover letter for review, it became evident why he struggled to elicit a response. It seemed he hadn't invested the necessary time and effort to craft his application materials with precision, intention, and self-awareness—focusing on his unique contributions, aspirations, and professional direction. Here are 10 tips we discussed, what did we miss? 💡 Quality Matters: A polished resume and cover letter create a positive first impression for potential employers, showcasing your qualifications effectively. 💡 Customize and Highlight: Tailor your application materials to match job requirements, emphasizing relevant skills and achievements while using keywords from the job description to grab attention and help with the bot reviews. 💡 Attention to Detail: Mistakes or generic content can make you appear unprofessional and disinterested. Take the time to craft personalized materials that align with the job requirements. 💡 Research and Align: Research the company and position to tailor your materials accordingly, aligning your skills and experiences with the organization's mission and values. 💡 Self-Reflection Matters: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values to guide your job search strategy effectively and articulate your career goals. 💡 Adapt to Changes: Job application methods are evolving, including automated responses. Utilize networking, social media, and personalized outreach alongside traditional methods. 💡 Targeted Efforts Pay Off: Focus on quality over quantity in your job search. Target opportunities that match your skills and goals to increase response rates. 💡 Communicate Value Clearly: Emphasize relevant accomplishments and skills that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the organization's success, using clear and concise language and formatting. 💡 Seek Support: Take advantage of resources like career coaches, workshops, online platforms, networking, and mentors to improve your job search and interview strategies. 💡 Continuous Improvement: Reflect on your approach to job searching and applications, prioritizing quality, seeking feedback, and exploring new strategies to enhance your success.

My client applied to 300+ jobs. With no interviews. Here is how I helped him land 3 job offers. 1/ Stopped applying for jobs and narrowed his focus. -He took a step back and developed a narrow focus on the industry and role he wanted. 2/ Developed a target list of companies and roles he wanted to work for. -His list (10-15) matched his role and the industry he desired. 3/ Revamped his resume to attract his niche target. -He used language, skills, and quantifiable results that his niche desired. 4/ Networked with former coworkers and decision-makers from his target market. -He discovered unposted roles and was introduced to companies. 5/ Reached out to decision-makers on LinkedIn if he didn't have a direct connection. -He researched companies, responded to posts, and built relationships.  He started receiving interview requests within the first week. If you aren't hearing back, try one new thing from what you are now doing. This is a very competitive job market. There isn't a magic bullet to land your next role. It takes perseverance and hard work. Focusing your search and networking is the most effective method. There are many people still searching. Hang in there! What strategy have you found helpful in your search? #careers #jobsearch

As a Recruiter with Engage Partners Inc. candidates often ask me to give an honest assessment of their resume. Although I never want to offend anyone, I believe that being transparent is most important. Here are some tips: 1. Clarity is Key: Make sure your resume is clear and concise. Use bullet points and headings to organize information neatly. 2. Highlight Achievements: Instead of listing tasks, focus on your accomplishments. What impact did you have in your previous roles? Numbers and results speak volumes! 3. Tailor for the Job: Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight skills and experiences that align with the job description. 4. KEYWORDS MATTER: Many companies use applicant tracking systems. Use relevant keywords from the job listing to increase your chances of being noticed. 5. Showcase Skills: Highlight technical skills, certifications, and achievements that showcase your expertise and potential. 6. Tell Your Story: Your resume is a snapshot of your career journey. Use it to tell a compelling story of your professional growth. 7. Proofread Carefully: Typos and errors can hurt your chances. Proofread your resume meticulously or ask a friend for a fresh pair of eyes. 8. Keep It Current: Regularly update your resume with new skills and experiences. Don't forget to add your latest achievements! 9. Professional Summary: Consider adding a brief professional summary at the top to introduce yourself and your career goals. 10. Formatting Matters: Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and spacing. Make it visually appealing. 11. Last but not least - read your resume as though you are the recruiter hiring for the position. Would your resume stand out? **Remember, your resume is your first impression on potential employers. Craft it with care, and it can open doors to exciting opportunities.**

A recruiter's thought... Is It Enough to Apply Just Based on the Role Name in the current market scenario? Applying solely based on a job title is one of the most inefficient and often counterproductive strategies a job seeker can use. Here’s why: * Misleading Titles: Job titles don’t tell the whole story. A "Software Manager" at one company might be a strategic leadership role, while at another, it could be focused on execution. Without reading the job description, you miss crucial context about responsibilities, required skills, and team dynamics. *Generic Applications: Applying without understanding the role usually results in generic applications. Recruiters spot this immediately, making it harder for them to see your genuine interest or fit. What’s the Likelihood a Recruiter Will Reach Out If You Apply Based Only on the Title? Very low—almost negligible—especially for competitive roles. *Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Most companies use ATS to filter applications *Recruiter Priorities: Recruiters look for clear matches to the role’s key requirements—specific skills, experience levels, relevant projects, and industry background. *Volume of Applications: Many recruiters review hundreds of resumes per role *The "Spray and Pray" Trap: Applying to every vaguely related job based solely on the title is known as a "spray and pray" approach. It feels productive but usually leads to fewer interviews because the quality of applications drops. Why Optimizing for Speed Over Relevance Backfires Some career advice focuses on "being first" to apply. While speed can matter in rare cases, relevance always trumps speed. Quality Over Quantity Negative Impressions The Early Bird Myth: In most professional hiring processes, the earliest applicant rarely gets priority. Recruiters review applications over time to find the right candidate, not just the fastest. What Job Seekers Should Do To increase your chances of hearing back from a recruiter: **Read the Job Description Thoroughly **Research the Company **Proofread Everything **Focus on Quality, Not Volume: Apply selectively to roles where you’re a genuine, strong fit—don’t mass-apply. #hiringtrends #reachtorecruiters