When applying for a job, there are a few questions that are likely to run through your head. Need to update your resume? Am I portraying myself well? Have I prepared enough?
Unfortunately, many of these job application questions are not answered until after the process is complete. However, we are uniquely positioned to provide the answers you are looking for, no matter where you are in the application process. Recently, I had the opportunity to get a first-hand behind-the-scenes answer.
We recently spoke with two Junior Business Analysts at Maximus. Maximus, a consulting firm tasked with protecting health, supporting families, and streamlining government services, hears how they crushed the interview and application process. In our conversations, they revealed what it takes to get noticed by recruiters both at Maximus and in the professional world.
Format your resume for the job you want
You’ve probably heard different types of resume advice over the years. Keep it to one page, think beyond the job function, highlight relevant skills, etc. Some advice is better than others, but Zain Baig, a business analyst and former Maximus intern, offers the most We believe the key is to format your resume to match the job you want.
Zain had no experience in the industry or department he applied for. But reframing past experiences in his resume to match the internship he applied for made him seem a better fit in the eyes of his recruiters.
Take advantage of networking opportunities
Recruiters and employers also want prospective students to participate in the networking opportunities available.
You’re unlikely to get a job on the spot at a career fair, but that’s not necessarily the point. You have now established a familiarity with your recruiter or employer. This will help you stand out in the application process. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Benefits of attending career fairs/networking events:
- Get more knowledge about companies
- Get to know the recruiter
- practice dialogue in a professional environment
- Find out what you do and don’t like
There’s no reason not to take advantage of these events, whether they show you something you never thought possible or they just help you stretch your network muscles.
Know the basics about the company
The following advice may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked by many students and young professionals looking for work. When applying for a job, a candidate who knows nothing about the company is a big red flag for recruiters.
What Edda does to prepare for the interview process is simple. She visited her Maximus website and clicked through various pages to read about the company’s products and catch up on the latest articles published by the company. This gave her enough information to be interested and familiar with the company.
Prepare for tough questions
One of the hardest parts of applying for jobs and interviewing is answering questions on the spot. This is because there is only so much you can do to prepare for them. You’ll probably get questions that you didn’t expect or that you didn’t expect to answer.
The most important thing in crossing this bridge is to face the question sincerely. If you need a moment to think about your answer, politely ask for time to think. Recruiters appreciate that rather than jumping to conclusions or pretending to know something they don’t.
Additionally, recruiters suggest not over-preparing for questions with copy-and-paste answers. I understand this. Again, approach the question honestly and formulate your answer carefully, accurately, and gracefully.
Express a desire to learn
All the tips on this list will help you shine more in the eyes of recruiters, but the most important thing young professionals should do when looking for a job is to express a desire to learn. is to
People just starting their professional careers may not have much work experience. So the first thing you need to let the interviewer know is that you want to learn. But you have to be direct about it! What would you like to know more about? What skills would you like to learn? What position would you like to end up in?
By expressing this desire to grow and learn with the company, recruiters will always try to give you the opportunity to prove yourself.
Zain and Edda took different paths to where they are today, but they relied on these key tips to secure the job that kick-started their careers.
Now that you know what it takes to make the job search process successful, why not try your luck? Start browsing open positions today!
