How to Land the Perfect Job

Think about the standard procedure for job hunting. You either pick up the newspaper, do a job search online looking for a company that is hiring or if you are determined enough; you might hit the streets looking for a company that will allow you to fill out an application. Those ways of getting a job are fine, but too often not very successful.

Here are a few tips to landing the perfect job:

Don't rely on the help wanted section of the newspaper.

Most jobs are not filled from the help wanted sections of the newspaper; they are filled because a person knows a person who knows a person who might be hiring. Don't just rely on the newspaper for a job; talk it up with everyone you know. Somebody knows somebody looking for someone and most employers would rather hire someone who was recommended by an existing employee or an associate than someone off the street. Find a company you would like to work for and intentionally build a relationship with someone who works there. I don't mean start dating the boss's son or daughter or anything, unless you are attracted to them of course, but you should try your hardest to find someone who is connected with someone in that company before you apply for a job there. If your qualifications are similar to anyone else applying for the job, trust me, they will hire the person who comes recommended every time.

Don't wait for a company to be hiring.

If you have your eye on an organization you would like to work for, approach them and let them know that they need you, and when the time comes that they are looking for someone to fill a position you are qualified in, they should call you. I have gotten a job at 3 companies who were not hiring when I approached them by using this technique. Let the manager, owner or whoever else you can speak to know that you can help their business or company succeed. Let them know that if they want to earn more money, show a greater profit or supply its clients with the best possible service, they need to hire you, even if it means letting someone else go.

Don't fill out an application unless you can speak to the one hiring at the same time.

Most companies would rather seek new candidates than go through old resumes.

Don't fill out the typical job application unless there is absolutely no way around it. You need to get noticed and because the written word can be so impersonal many great employees are passed by because their resume or application didn't make a good enough impression. I once went to a large corporation who was hiring and when I asked about an interview, I was handed an application and told to leave it, that someone would get back with me. I immediately handed it back to the woman who gave it to me and said; "I am sorry and don't mean to be rude or disrespectful but I would like to interview the manager to see if I want to work here before I waste my time filling out this application." She was somewhat shocked, but picked up the phone and told the manager that I wanted to interview HIM before filling out their job application. When I sat down in his office, the managers first words were, "Mr. Wagner, I must admit, in all my years at this company I have never had anyone interview me for their job. What can I do for you?" I thanked him for his time and told him that because I value my time, I am serious about where I invest it. I then asked him why I should work for his company. Within a few minutes this manager was telling me how great his company was and trying his hardest to convince me to work for him. I got the job.

Have a resume that stands out

Never and I mean never just fill out the typical job application. If you must fill one out and wait for a reply, always attach your resume with it. As I mentioned earlier, the written word can be very insensitive and non-emotional. Both of which can be major factors in landing an interview. Depending on the job market, those doing the hiring may have to look at dozens of resumes and applications before setting up interviews. Some applicants may be equally qualified and some may be more qualified for the position; the resume that catches the reader's attention will be the one they choose to sit down with.

After listing all of your past experience, education and qualifications, be sure to include a short, powerful and well written paragraph telling why their company would be better off to have YOU on their payroll. What employers are really looking for are people who will help them generate the greatest amount of profit with the least amount of expense and create the least amount of problems doing so. Look at what problem your job would be solving in that company and work your resume around that. For example, a real estate developer really doesn't need a property manager, what they need is someone who will take care of the properties the developers currently have so they can be free to do what they do best, develop properties.

Be creative and if you aren't gifted in writing, hire someone who is. Make your resume jump off the page and stand out otherwise you are nothing but a number. It may cost you a few dollars, but not doing it juts to save a few dollars may cost you your dream job as well. Invest in yourself, your future and your job.

Know you stuff

All the above tips about landing the perfect job are useless if you are not qualified. You must become the best at what you do. Know your stuff so that when you are hired, you are not let go two weeks later. If you don't know the company you are applying at, do some research before you go after a job there; know their products and service and if possible their strengths. The more you know about the company and what they do, the less you will have to learn. When employers have to train people, they lose money and you become an expense that is not generating any income. The less they have to train you for the job, the quicker they make, save or earn money from your position. Learn, learn fast and if you can learn before the interview, even better.

Go to work to work, don't worry about making and keeping friends, your friends are not going to pay your bills and if there is ever a time the company needs to lay someone off, your friend would rather you get the ax. Become the best at what you do and keep learning all you can about your profession. Happy job hunting!