Competitions exist among fresh graduates, field veterans, and employees for the same positions. The selection process may even be long and tedious.  Approximately 75 million young people worldwide seek meaningful opportunities with employers looking to hire qualified and competent people. Here are some tips to help you land your dream job.

These tips are broken down into categories to help you in your step-by-step job hunting process.

PREPARATION

As the saying goes, “Preparation is key.” This holds true to for everything in life. Preparation can determine who, among all job applicants, gets hired.

1. An Eye-Catching Resume

A resume is your first impression without your actual appearance to the employer. What you write and how you present your qualifications is key to catching an employer’s immediate interest. It must be easy on the eyes, concise, and constructed wisely. Highlight accomplishments and achievements relevant to the position that you are applying for, not just a brief summary of your previous jobs.

2. Dress to Impress

How a person looks can say a lot of things about work ethics, hygiene, and personality. It is one of the first things people take notice of. So, take a shower, trim your nails, fix your hair, iron your clothes, and polish your shoes. This will not only make you more noticeable but it will also make you feel more confident.

3. Practice

Many job seekers dread hearing “Tell me something about yourself” during their interview. It seems easy enough to answer, but many have no idea how to. Instead of responding immediately, they end up spending so much time mentally formulating answers while the interviewer waits.  Worse, some may spend time talking about unimportant things because they are nervous. Being ready to answer general questions such as, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” will make you exude a more calm and confident tone during the conversation. You can do this by practicing your responses in front of a mirror or with someone you trust.

THE PROCESS

People are often told to “Trust the process”. But instead of just waiting and going with the flow, it is better to take initiative and make the process work for you.

4. All in Good Time

Be punctual. Being on time shows that you care for the job that you are applying for. More importantly, it shows the employer your work ethic. Being on time also prevents you from feeling rushed. When you are not rushed, you are calm; therefore, you are able to think more clearly and collectively.

5. Engage

Time to meet your interviewer! Come in with a smile (let’s face it – everybody loves a smile). You do not want to give the impression that coming in for an interview is just another chore. Show them that you actually want to be there. Remember to be courteous and firmly shake the hand of your interviewer. This first stage in meeting a potential employer face to face can set the course for the rest of your interview.

INTANGIBLES

There are more things to watch out for other than your resume. Intangible are non-physical factors that your employer or interviewer might notice. Some pay attention to this kind of detail, but others may not. What is important to note is the added value they bring in your overall chance of being hired.

6. Make it Fit

As an applicant, your task is to demonstrate that you are the right person for the job. But overly showcasing that you are an expert in the job might send a different message. Take care not to come off as arrogant and know-it-all. The right pitch, the right tone, and the right set of skills, will definitely help you to become the right fit.

7. Mind your Social Media Image

Some may not realize that a person’s social media account can either make or break his chances of being hired. Finding a person for the job requires a lot of information, which is very accessible online. In fact, many employers, headhunters, and agencies look at an applicant’s social media account for information. So remember, think twice before you post!

8. Credibility is Key

Credibility is built on a person’s trustworthiness and competence. Do not fabricate anything about your application with regards to your skills, experience, and credentials. Human Resources can easily do background checks with your previous employers. What you might think is just a simple lie can ruin your chances of being hired, or worse, being blacklisted by an industry.

9. Attitude

There are times when people get hired because the recruiter had a good feeling about them. Or, because of how positive the interview had been, some could even be referred to other companies. This may not happen all the time, but still, a million-dollar attitude is one you should always go for. You never know how your positivity can affect the people around you and impact you professionally.

10. Ask Questions

Asking questions show that you are interested and are well prepared for the interview. You may ask questions such as, “What can I expect for the first 30-90 days on the job?” or “What can I do in the first 3 months to be successful?” There are countless more you may ask but what is important is that this is your time to get information from them. So don’t be shy and ask away.

Landing your dream job takes effort. It depends on what you put in for the preparation and how you present yourself. It requires determination, persistence, and maybe even a little bit of luck (if the position you are looking for is open). With these tips in mind, you should be on your way to making  a good impression and standing out to future employers!