How to Get a New Job in 2013

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As the holidays come to a close, hiring managers are returning to their desks and job seekers are starting up their searches again, many with New Year’s resolutions in mind. We are hard at work here at EDI Specialists in preparation for a great year and we look forward to helping you find the perfect job for you. Make it your New Year’s resolution to be the best candidate you can be.

Temper salary expectations (but don’t sell yourself short).

We’re part of a recovering economy. Many jobs I helped to fill in 2012 were below (sometimes well below) market rates and salaries, but this isn’t because companies didn’t think the talent they hired was worth coughing up the money. A prospective employer can only pay out what is in the budget, and budgets are still a little tight. Unfortunately, your experience level is not going to get you in the door at $130,000 if a job is only able to pay 75 percent of that number at the top of their range, no matter how silver your tongue is.

If you’ve done the research, run the numbers and can realistically consider taking a 10-15K pay cut for a great opportunity, then we’re more than happy to help you land that job. If you don’t see yourself happy six months down the road at the lower number, that position probably isn’t the one for you, but don’t be discouraged! There are literally thousands of other jobs out there that may be. Another thing to keep in mind if you’re changing jobs is that, as a new hire with most companies, you will likely be starting at the standard two weeks of vacation time, even if you are currently getting four. So many people seem shocked by this and to some it is a deal breaker, but sometimes you need to make a short-term sacrifice for long-term happiness.

Don’t expect to be hired overnight.

Be prepared for a long interview process, especially if you are applying for a permanent position. Hiring managers can take weeks, sometimes even months to make a decision, especially if their department is in the middle of a crunch. Employers want to do their due diligence and make sure they are bringing the right person on board. Be patient—Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your career won’t be either. When you’re hired, it will be because you are the absolute best person for the job.

Consider temp-to-perm.

One thing I have seen quite a bit of in 2012 is that many hiring managers are looking to try before they buy. Job seekers may find this uninviting (especially those who already working and looking to change jobs), because usually you will have to wait until full-time employee conversion for benefits. There is a stigma permanent job seekers attach to the term “temporary,” but there are several positives to temporary and temp-to-perm jobs. First, these types of jobs are typically filled faster than direct hire permanent positions; feedback will likely be much more prompt. Second, there are a large number of temp-to-perm jobs out there so you are widening your possibilities greatly by considering them. Third, and most importantly, it gives you the time to make sure your new employer is the right fit for you.

Touch up your resume and your interviewing skills.

Stellar communication skills, a clear resume and interview preparedness will be the keys to getting that offer letter. I talk about this at length in a series of earlier articles on our blog and we at EDI Specialists will always be checking in with you frequently when you have an upcoming interview to ensure that you are prepared to interview like a champion. I cannot stress this enough: whether you are a top contributor at your current company and have excellent communication skills or are a new job seeker with no interview experience, you should always take the time to thoroughly prepare, brush up on your interviewing skills and learn what to expect. When you land the job, you will know that your time was well spent.

Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t selected.

As many jobs as there are out there, there are many more job seekers. Hiring managers have the unenviable task of selecting one person from pools of dozens of highly qualified applicants. If you aren’t selected for what you thought was the job for you, don’t let it get you down! Think about it: if the manager felt that there was anyone other than you who could fill that role, is it really the role you wanted to be in? It’s your job you’re looking for, not just any job, and it’s out there. Let’s make 2013 the year we find it.

What else can you do to make yourself a more attractive candidate in 2013? Let us know in the comment section below. If you’re ready to start looking for a new job, submit your resume today.

About Adam Barron

Adam supports EDI and IT professionals throughout the Midwest region of the US. As a recruiter with EDI Staffing since 2006, Adam has over 10 years of experience working with candidates to fill contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire positions, aiming to match each person’s unique goals with those of our clients. He is a frequent contributor to our blog, where he shares insight on industry topics such as marketability enhancement, resume improvement, interviewing and offer negotiation. Adam believes that strong relationships are key to the business and strives to connect with people, often keeping in touch long after a person has landed a job or interviewed with our clients.

Adam graduated from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Prior to joining EDI Staffing, he worked as a Business Development Representative for its sister company, B2B Contact. Outside of the office, Adam loves to spend time with family and also enjoys writing, Boston sports, skiing, movies and board/video gaming.

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