I wanted to share this Quora question I answered last week.
I apply to about 25-30 jobs a week and haven’t been able to get noticed. What can I do to help improve my chances?
Most people get the jobs they want (including HR) by doing several things. Many of these strategies are disruptive but create success for several career changes. Since you just graduated and the only information about you here is your interest, these are shots in the dark:
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Network, network, and network
You may have a gold mine already with the people you know. The best way they can help you is being as specific as possible. Assuming you are trying to get your foot in the door, see if you can find within your network an HR employee. He or she can get your resume to a person instead of applying on line and being in a batch of 100+ resumes.
2. Understand the jobs competition is fierce
Even graduates in Human Resources are challenged with the competition. My friend and colleague Chris Fields who is a great resume writer and HR specialist offered this thought on LinkedIn about 3 months ago. It was liked over 1200 times with 115 comments.
3. Go small start up for more jobs
I recommend applying to the small companies but use your network. I will say small companies are more open to conversation starters on LinkedIn, Twitter, and yes, even here on Quora. If you have an all-star LinkedIn profile and have relevant activity, then as you reach out to someone who can influence your entry, you’ll be partially vetted because of a completed profile. If it’s incomplete, they don’t know if you’re real, or serious, thus disqualifying yourself.
Another reason to go small is they are likely not requiring an HR related degree or HR certifications. An entry-level employee can qualify for an HR assistant just as well as anyone. I know a young lady who contacted me after she received her HR Master’s and did an HR related internship. She is working through her obstacles, but you have to focus on your value. With your Master’s you probably can write well and can offer training, documentation, or write a training manual. It’s a good sell and a way to separate yourself from the pack of 100.
4. Join professional groups
You can get to know HR professionals on LinkedIn and Facebook groups. If there are some in your hometown, it’s a plus. Getting to know them and for them knowing, liking, and trusting you gives you access your competition won’t have.
5. Use your school’s career services
Many times they can put you in touch with active alumni who are still connected with the school for the sole purpose of helping graduates with opportunities. If not, they full of resources and strategies to help you with your job search.
6. Informational interviews
Since it’s summer, things may be slightly slow with employee vacations, you can even contact an office and just ask for 10 minutes of a hiring manager’s time to ask for information about the position (don’t ask for the job, don’t offer your resume UNLESS they ask you). You want to use the information as intel to shape your narrative in selling yourself to other companies. Most of all, use it as a chance to build a business relationship.
Overall, whatever field you choose your presence off and online must show an interest in the field. It’s not an easy field to get into even if you’re passionate about it. But it can be done. It just takes a little time and work. But again, it is your networking will determine your chances better than any other way.
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About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.