This article was originally published on ComeRecommended.com.
It’s been two months since you graduated from college and you still can’t find a job. You’ve submitted applications like crazy and still, nothing. You have the skills, so why isn’t anyone hiring you?
There are lots of small details that can trip job seekers up throughout the process. You’ve got the diploma, now go get the job. Don’t get caught neglecting these seven things in your job search:
1. Spell Check. We can repeat this tip 1,000 times and someone will still turn in a resume with grammar and spelling errors. A simple spelling mistake is enough to get your resume thrown out, according to 61 percent of employers. Don’t be that person.
2. Define Your Skills. Make a list of all of the hard and soft skills you’ve picked up from college classes, internships, and other experiences. Narrow your list down to the most important skills. If you’re stuck, look at LinkedIn profiles of your fellow graduates for ideas.
3. Use the Job Description. Read through the job description and highlight the important keywords. Then, insert the most used and most important words into your resume and cover letter. This will help when your resume goes through an applicant tracking system, as well as when employers give your resume a once-over.
4. Go Beyond Job Boards. Less than half of all hires come from job boards. The rest come from internal employee candidates, employee referrals, and company career sites. Keep this in mind during your search. Don’t stop with Indeed and CareerBuilder.
5. Reach Out to Your Network. You’ve heard over and over again how important networking is for your career. But are you really making an effort to use your connections? Look through your contacts on LinkedIn and other sites. Actually reach out to these people with an interest in what they do. You’ll be surprised how many of them are willing to help.
6. Complete Your Social Media Profiles. Nearly two in five companies use social media to research job candidates. This means there’s a really good chance your employer will view your Twitter and LinkedIn before deciding to bring you in to interview. Make sure your resumes are complete and professional so you can leave a good impression.
7. Research. When you apply for a job, you need to be well-versed in everything having to do with that job. Research the company, the industry, competitors, and trends. If you’ve done your research properly, it will show in your cover letter and interview. Employers can tell when you’ve only made a half-hearted attempt to learn about the job.
Remember, these little details can mean the difference between landing an interview and never hearing back. Don’t miss out on the career of your dreams because you didn’t put forth the effort to showcase your skills.
What are some other details of the job search process graduates tend to neglect?