How Badly Do You Want the Job

How Badly Do You Want the Job How Badly Do You Want the Job 14 When it comes to applying for jobs that offer more flexibility, you’ll likely be vying with many candidates for the opportunity. That’s certainly for good reason: recent stats released by PGi show that a full-time, dual-income family can save the equivalent of four semesters at a public college, 90 days on a cruise ship, or 17 credit card balances by telecommuting. What does it take to score your dream position, whether you’re gunning for an in-house staff post or a flexible or remote job? It takes going the extra mile in your job search. Here are some quick tips on how to do it: Target your application materials. Gone are the days when you could simply send out the same resume, and virtually the same cover letter, to every employer you’re interested in. If you don’t want your application to get circular-filed, put in the time to craft your materials to each position that you apply to. Research both the position and the company, and make sure that both your resume and cover letter address the hiring manager’s specifically requested needs. Develop a professional online presence. This is not your parents’ job search. A few decades ago, your formal application materials were all you needed to worry about prospective employers knowing about you prior to your interview. But a 2013 Jobvite study found that nearly all recruiters (93 percent) now zero in on a candidate’s social media presence as part of their decision-making process. That’s jumped from 78 percent just five years ago. So make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, and clean up personal photos and comments on Facebook that might keep you from getting the job you want. Remember the little things. Formalities like sending a thank-you note or thank-you email after your interview can make a difference and help keep you top of mind with hiring managers. For the interview itself, dress like you want the part: a recent survey by Adecco revealed that three-quarters of hiring managers feel that Millennials in particular blow their chances by failing to dress professionally. Arrive early, and remember to bring several copies of your resume to the interview. Understand what you want. We’ve all heard the adage about climbing the ladder and then realizing it’s propped up against the wrong wall. Taking responsibility for your career involves understanding yourself well enough to know what kind of job you’d really enjoy and excel at. For example, while it’s true that research from Boston College Center for Work and Family shows that flexible work arrangements may help ease workers’ stress by affording better job and life satisfaction, not everyone finds the same situations stressful. If you’re someone who needs the constant hum of the office to feel motivated, then you might not want that telecommuting position as much as you think you do. Then again, you might- so do what it takes to get it! Readers, how badly do YOU want the job? How do you go above and beyond in your job search?