I Asked a Hiring Manager: What's the Fastest Way To Get Hired?
Finding a job takes time, which often costs you money. If you are looking to get hired fast, you can’t afford to wait around while an application sits unread or unanswered in an inbox. However, there are a few ways to speed up the process of securing a new job.
MoneyLion connected with Anne Irene Ryan, a former hiring manager and career coach with Anne Ryan Consulting, LLC. In the digital age, Ryan said, human-to-human connection is a great way to speed up the hiring process. She also cautioned against a few mistakes applicants make along the way. Here are her five tips as a hiring manager to expedite your cover letter and resume to the finish line.
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1. Networking Is Key
According to Ryan, you should be spending 90% of your job search networking and 10% applying to jobs online.
“Reach out to your network and have a specific ask about the kind of person you are looking to meet or the exact kind of job you are looking for,” Ryan said, adding that referrals make up 7% of applications but make up 30%-50% of hires.
2. Personal Marketing Matters
Ryan said that you should market yourself with your resume and online tools, such as a LinkedIn profile, like you already have the job you want.
“Talk about the problems you can solve for the hiring manager instead of what you want out of the job,” said Ryan.
3. Reduce Risk
Ryan said that the job of an applicant, throughout the hiring process, is to reduce risk for the recruiter and hiring manager.
“Don't just say ‘I'm a great communicator’ — provide specific examples of you communicating well with others-team members, leadership, clients, etc. — on your resume and during interviews,” Ryan said.
4. Follow Up
Ryan believes that you should write a thank-you note after every interview.
“Only 24% of candidates send one, but 68% of hiring managers say that a thank-you note factors into their decision,” said Ryan. “Nearly 1 in 5 have ruled a candidate out for not sending a thank-you note."
Ryan said it only takes a few minutes to write and send a thank-you note, but that this small gesture goes a long way.
5. Don’t Over-Optimize
When it comes to your resume, cover letter, and online profiles, Ryan cautions against allowing artificial intelligence and ATS to do the heavy lifting. Instead, the best course of action is to write your resume as a human writer for a human reader.
“AI is a useful tool,” Ryan said, “it can help you write your resume, but shouldn't do the entire job for you. If AI writes your resume, you'll sound like everyone else. Don't lose your voice.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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