What does it take to be a successful jobseeker? There is no magic formula. But there are certain traits every successful job seeker shares. 

Always be prepared

Opportunity could strike at any moment. If a potential employer calls you at 8 a.m. to come in for an interview in an hour, you need to be prepared to drop everything to accept the interview. Always have interview attire and multiple copies of your resume ready to go. When you’re searching for a new job, you never know when opportunity will knock. You need to be ready to answer.

Write Follow-Up Letters 

When interviewing, you want to leave a positive impression. One way to accomplish this is to follow-up with your interviewer in an email or handwritten letter. Following-up after an interview is extremely important for two reasons: One, so you can thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you, and two, so you can reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the position. Make sure to recap your skills and state how the company will benefit from hiring you. If it’s a fast-moving hiring process, a follow-up email will do just fine. If the hiring process is slow, take the time to write a handwritten thank-you note — it’s more personal and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Practice, Practice, Practice 

It’s a cliché, but practice makes perfect. If you don’t work to develop your interviewing skills, how can you expect to do well when it comes time to actually interview? To nail your interview, practice your answers to the most common interview questions. It’s best to practice your answers out loud in front of a mirror. Also, consider finding a friend or family member to help you with a mock interview. Have them throw you some questions you aren’t ready for to practice thinking on your feet. The more you practice, the better chance you’ll have at having a successful interview.

Get Help from Outside Sources

One common mistake every job seeker makes is trying to go at it alone. Even the most successful people had help at some point in their life. When looking for a job, you need to tap every resource you can in your quest for employment. One of the best resources out there are staffing agencies like Burchard & Associates. As a job seeker, there is no risk or cost to you when working with a staffing agency. Many companies work exclusively with staffing agencies, so they have access to opportunities not publicly advertised. And a staffing agency isn’t successful unless you get the job, so recruiters will work tirelessly on your behalf to land you the perfect position.

Search our available jobs or contact us for more information about how we can help you with your job search.

Stay Positive 

In a tough job market, it’s easy to get discouraged. Just keep in mind, going into your job search, that things won’t be easy. The most successful job seekers never quit, no matter how many obstacles get in their way. You might get lucky and land a job in a matter of weeks, but more than likely, your job search will be a long process. 

Never Quit Looking 

A recent poll found that up to 40 percent of unemployed workers have given up looking for a job. Don’t let this be you! No matter how long it takes, don’t ever quit searching for a job. As the economy continues to improve and new jobs are created every day, it’s only a matter of time before you find the perfect fit. Stay motivated and never stop searching.