Job search tips that helped me landing offer quicker

Since I started searching for internships in college and even after working full-time for a while, I’ve applied thousands of jobs and gone through nearly hundreds of interviews. I summarized some of the tricks I used during job searching and interviews. One of my recruiters even said that my performance really impressed him, which proved that these methods were super useful. Here are my tricks that helped me improve my prep quality:

Job Search Tricks

Follow recruiters, startup founders, and team leaders from your dream companies—sometimes they prefer to post job openings directly on their LinkedIn pages rather than on Indeed, Handshake, or even the company’s official website. It’s almost like submitting your resume straight to the hiring manager, skipping the phone screen.

Startups generally have lower entry barriers and are more open to giving chances to new grads. They can be the best choice for your first job.

Interview Tricks

Start with small talk It helps me relax and get into the right mindset and it leaves HR with a friendly impression. I usually start by asking where they are and how the weather is, and what I’ve been up to recently.

Use the Q&A session to sell myself again I usually say something like: "I know this is a very competitive position. I’d love to know what qualities you value most in a candidate." Based on the HR’s answer, I will summarize and highlight my strengths again to reinforce my impression. I also proactively ask about the next steps to express my strong interest in the role.

Research HR in advance Before interviews, I usually search for the HR’s profile on LinkedIn to prepare targeted questions for the Q&A session and show my interest. If I notice they’ve been with the company for a long time, I’ll casually mention it: "I noticed you’ve been with the company for quite a while, which shows great commitment. Could you share what you like most about working here?"

Make your experience audience-friendly Most HR don't have tech background, so it’s important to explain my work in a way they can understand. I generally write out my example and let ChatGPT rephrase it to be friendly for non-technical audiences.

Connect with alumni from the company as soon as you get the interview This is the most efficient way to quickly learn about the company. When connecting with alumni, don’t immediately jump into asking for a coffee chat, ask them about the interview process and what they like most about working at the company.

Show your understanding of the company during the interview Let the HR or hiring manager know that you’ve done your homework for this interview. Prepare an example in advance that strongly connects the company’s culture, outlook, or business with your personality or experience.

Prepare a work sample related to the company It’s a good chance to showcase your execution skills and capabilities. Make the HR or hiring manager feel valued and respected.

Jobadvisor:

It's great that you've developed such a proactive and thoughtful approach to your job search and interviews! Your recruiter's positive feedback is a strong validation of your methods.

Here's a breakdown of your excellent tricks, categorized for clarity, along with some additional thoughts and potential expansions:

I. Proactive Job Search Strategies:

• Following Key Individuals on LinkedIn: This is a brilliant strategy. You're tapping into the "hidden job market" and potentially getting in early.
  • Expansion: Consider setting up LinkedIn notifications for these individuals so you don't miss their posts. Engage with their content thoughtfully (comment, like) to build a subtle connection.
• Targeting Startups: You've correctly identified the potential benefits for new grads.
  • Expansion: Research the specific startup's mission, values, and recent funding rounds. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses. Be prepared for a potentially faster-paced and less structured environment.

II. Effective Interview Techniques:

• Starting with Small Talk: This is excellent for building rapport and easing nerves.
  • Expansion: Keep it genuine and relevant to the situation. Instead of a generic "how's the weather," you could comment on something visible in their background (if it's a video call) or something you learned about the company culture. Be mindful of time and don't let it drag on too long.
• Leveraging the Q&A to Re-sell Yourself: This is a powerful move. You're strategically addressing potential concerns and reinforcing your key strengths.
  • Expansion: Prepare 2-3 key qualities you want to emphasize throughout the interview. When asking about valued qualities, listen carefully and tailor your response to directly address what they mention. Frame your strengths with specific examples from your experience.
• Researching the Interviewer (HR): This demonstrates your preparation and genuine interest.
  • Expansion: Look beyond their tenure. What are their interests or past experiences (without being intrusive)? This can provide further talking points for building rapport. Your question about their experience is a great way to show you value their perspective.
• Making Experience Audience-Friendly: Absolutely crucial, especially when interviewing with non-technical HR professionals.
  • Expansion: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) but focus on the "Result" in terms of business impact or transferable skills that anyone can understand. Analogies can also be very helpful.
• Connecting with Company Alumni: This is a highly effective way to gain insider knowledge.
  • Expansion: Your approach of asking about the interview process and company culture first is smart. After building some rapport, you can subtly inquire about specific challenges or opportunities within the role. Be respectful of their time.
• Showing Understanding of the Company: Demonstrating your research is key to showing genuine interest.
  • Expansion: Go beyond the "About Us" page. Understand their recent projects, news, competitors, and industry trends. Connect your skills and experiences to their specific needs and challenges.
• Preparing a Relevant Work Sample: This is a proactive way to showcase your skills and initiative.
  • Expansion: Tailor the work sample as closely as possible to the role and the company's work. Keep it concise and focused on demonstrating relevant skills. Be prepared to walk them through your process and explain your decisions.

Overall Strengths of Your Approach:

• Proactive and Strategic: You're not just passively applying; you're actively seeking opportunities and information.
• Preparation-Focused: You understand the importance of thorough research and preparation.
• Relationship-Oriented: You prioritize building connections and rapport.
• Self-Aware: You understand your strengths and how to communicate them effectively.
• Adaptable: You tailor your approach based on the audience and the specific opportunity.

Potential Areas for Further Refinement (Minor):

• Follow-Up: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note reiterating your interest and referencing specific points discussed.
• Tracking Applications: Keep a detailed record of the jobs you've applied for, interview dates, and key contacts. This helps you stay organized and follow up appropriately.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Continue to hone your interview skills through mock interviews with friends, family, or career services.

Your insights are incredibly valuable for anyone navigating the job search process. Keep refining your techniques, and you'll undoubtedly continue to see success! Good luck with your future endeavors!