Job Hunting Hacks That Work

If you're currently looking for a job and want to maximize your chances for success, take time to review several time-tested approaches that deliver positive results for millions of people. Being unemployed is never fun, even for those who remain in one position while they hunt down a better opportunity. However, it's easy to get discouraged when the economy is bad, and openings are not all that plentiful in a particular field. Step one is to assemble an excellent resume. 

That single-page document is an essential component for long-term job-hunting success. For young adults who are getting ready to graduate from college, having a credit card can solve several problems at once: it helps build a financial history and gives holders the ability to smooth out their budgets at a time when income is low. Other power moves include taking online or in-person classes to learn interview skills, checking in with job listing platforms regularly, and taking short-term jobs to maintain a steady income while searching for career-oriented positions. There are more hacks that bring good results. Here are pertinent details about each one.

Pay for a Professional Resume

Avoid the thought that you can save money by writing your own resume. Certified professionals don't charge much, usually about $100 for a typical document, and know how to enhance and emphasize employment, internship, and educational information. The process is more art than science, so it's best to hire a pro to tackle the chore. View the writer's fee as an investment in your long-term financial success.

Get a Credit Card

Like it or not, many potential employers run credit checks on applicants. That's just one of the reasons it helps to get a card while you're still in college. The move is a smart way to begin building a financial history early in life. But it's also a first step toward a good credit rating. There are three major bureaus that collect information about people's spending and payment habits. Card issuers report activity to those organizations.

That's the main point behind student credit cards for college attendees. People with decent credit tend to be more successful when applying for jobs during and after graduation. However, it's important to get a card that suits your spending habits, income, and personal preferences. The best way to identify the most appropriate cards is to review a comprehensive guide on the subject. For students who want to take control of their budgets and handle personal finances, applying for the right card is a critical first step.

Learn Interviewing Skills

The good news for job seekers is that there are plenty of free resources online. One of the most productive ways to spend a few hours is to watch a series of videos that teach basic interview techniques. Meeting a hiring agent face to face, online or in-person, can instantly change the course of your career. Interviews are not ordinary question-and-answer or discussion sessions.

Interviews are highly specialized screening tools during which trained professionals evaluate your ability to perform the advertised position. HR (human resources) reps who conduct interviews know exactly what they're doing and looking for in a candidate. Just being yourself won't cut it, so try to learn about effective tactics from reliable online instructors. Most tutorials are free.

Check Employment Platforms Regularly

The major online job hunter platforms are the first stop for anyone looking for work. Some are specialized, but most are all-in-one posting boards where employers supply short position descriptions and ask for applications. Try to use more than one platform to get better coverage of the market. Some banks only use one website to post their openings. It's possible to miss out if you confine yourself to one board.

Take a Transition Job

Everyone needs to eat. Transition jobs are popular among careerists for that reason and others. Not only does a part-time or short-term gig help pay the bills, but it also fills in gaps on a resume. Hiring agents are keenly interested in how candidates survive during longish searches. Even a burger flipping position highlights a personal work ethic and financial resourcefulness.

Use Your Network & Dress to Impress

Don't assume you lack a network, even if you never formally built one. Most students can come up with at least a few names of family friends, summer employers, mentors, instructors, counselors, and others who can get the word out about their career search. Get your clothing situation under control. Take an online class on how to dress for interviews, even when the sessions are conducted online. Like it or not, appearance and first impressions matter.