The NYC job market is particularly brutal. There might be more jobs available, but there are at least 100 people trying to get every job. Here are five tips to follow if you want to put yourself ahead of the other 99 applicants:
1. Network
You probably hear this so often that you’re sick of it, but it really does matter. When managers have to fill an open position, they will usually ask their employees if they have any recommendations, so the more people you know, the better your chances of getting recommended for a job.
2. Don’t Stop When You Finish Your Cover Letter
Just sending your resume and cover letter to a company is not enough. If you know someone in the company, ask the person to recommend you to the manager, and forward your application materials again. If you don’t know anyone in the company, do a quick search on LinkedIn to see if any employees come up. Send a message and ask if they will pass your resume and cover letter along. They might ignore you, but they just might respond.
3. Consider All Types Of Jobs
Looking at only full-time permanent positions might make you miss out on other good opportunities. Temp work, for example, can be a great way to get a foot in the door at a prominent company. Freelancing might also be a good option, depending on your skills, because you can set your own schedule and sometimes your own rates.
4. When In Doubt, Apply
Studies have shown that women are more critical of themselves than men when conducting a job search. Women only apply if they meet 100 percent of the job description, while men will apply if they only meet 60 percent. If a significant portion of the applicant pool only matches 60 percent of the job description, but you match 70 percent, you already have an edge. So go ahead and apply even if you don’t have everything on their list.
5. Maintain Positive Thinking
If your attitude is “I’m never going to find a job,” you will, indeed, never find a job. Job searches are difficult, but negative thinking will only make them more difficult. The more positive energy you can maintain in your life, the more likely it is that you will find success.
Cover photo credit: Steven Kelley/Flickr