Most Frequently Asked Questions By Job Seekers | Fusion - WeRIndia

During the job search, there are lots of questions every job seeker comes across. How long should my resume and cover letter be?  What if I don’t know anyone inside the company? Should I just apply online?

How long should I wait before following up? Should I use a separate resume for every job?

This is your chance to the answers to all of the questions you’ve been pondering during your job search.

The one reason your job search might be failing is due to a lack of information. Too often, job seekers don’t ask questions during the process.

It could be a fear of rejection or perhaps of looking stupid, which prevents otherwise intelligent people from getting answers to questions. Knowledge is power, the more you know, the more successful you will be during your job search.

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions by job seekers :

Should I connect with human resources or an interviewer on LinkedIn? 

The answer depends on the preferences of the person you want to connect with. T

he only way to find out is to ask your interviewer if it’s OK to connect on LinkedIn. Otherwise, send an email and ask if you can connect.

Where is the best place to find a job?

There are lots of options for finding a job, and one is not necessarily better than the others. You can find jobs on mass job boards like Monster and Indeed, or smaller, niche job boards specific to your profession.

You can go directly to the company’s website or social media. Additionally, 44 percent of new hires are made from employee referrals. It’s important to utilize these methods to find the most job opportunities.

When do I follow up after an interview? 

The best way to get this question answered is to ask the interviewer during your interview. Always ask when you should follow up and the best way to reach out to your interviewer. Once armed with this information, follow the recommended steps to the letter.

Should I use a separate resume for every job? 

Absolutely. No two job descriptions are the same. You must customize your resume for each and every job you apply to. Take time to review the job description carefully and research the company. Make sure your resume includes the required skills and technology requested in the job description. Also, be sure you reference the work processes and specific keywords mentioned in the posting.

Why haven’t I heard back from the company after I applied? 

Did you follow up? If you don’t follow up with an email or phone call, how do you know the company received your application? Ask where they are in the review process and then ask if they received your application.

While it would be nice to receive an update from the company, it doesn’t always happen. Take control by following up and get the answer to your question.

I think my past boss is giving a bad reference, what do I do? 

If you suspect a previous manager is negatively impacting your job search, call him or her. It isn’t an easy conversation to have, but you need the answer.

Try starting the conversation by informing your boss about your job search and ask if he or she would be willing to serve as a reference. If they say yes, probe further by asking, “Can you think of any reason why you wouldn’t positively recommend my performance?” This should open the dialogue between you and your manager.

If you suspect your boss is unable to say anything positive, find someone else in the company to serve as your reference.

How do I respond to a request for salary expectations? 

You will come across this question while completing the online application, during the phone interview and when you meet for an in-person interview, too. The recommended strategy is to say that your salary is negotiable.

However, a better way to respond, when speaking with a recruiter, is to ask what the company has budgeted for the position. Once you have that number, you can respond with an appropriate range.

Should I write a thank you letter by hand or in an email?

This is a personal preference but 80% hiring managers are fine with an email note, and half of them actually prefer it. Just be sure to personalize the note. Remind your interviewer who you are, how much you want the job, and why you’re the best person for it.

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