How to be a frontrunner in today's job market.


By Sam Arnold
Recruiter, Liaison Resources

You don't want just any job – you want the right job. You're in the creative field because your work is more than just work. If you simply wanted to pay the bills, you'd be a pilot for UPS. I heard they make bank.

I’m glad you’re not applying to UPS though, because I recruit for Liaison and we need good candidates like you. I’ve been on both sides of the job search thing. Applying for jobs is not easy, but if you follow a few pointers, you can immediately enter the top 10% of the candidate pool of any job for which you're qualified. My advice is simple: Apply to just a few great jobs each day, and apply to them thoroughly.

What do I mean by “just a few jobs”? Isn’t it best to get your resume in front of as many people as possible in the hopes that one has a job for you? I have to admit, before I was a recruiter, I did the same thing -- so I understand the logic: It's a crowded field and there's a lot of strong competition. You want to cast the net wide to get as many results as you can. But there's a better way.

When I was applying to lots of jobs hastily, I may have had a bigger chance of getting any response at all, but I was probably hurting my chances of getting the right job. Now, as a recruiter reviewing hundreds of resumes and cover letters each month (and fortunate to finally have the right job), I see the importance of a well-crafted application. A good application takes time, but it’s worth it. When recruiting for a job, I usually have a choice between a few candidates who clearly aren’t a fit, some who might be a good fit, and a few who told me exactly why they are a good fit. A candidate from the last category is almost always the one who ends up getting the job.

Your first task is to find the right job opportunities. Clicking “submit” 10 times is not necessarily more productive than browsing the net all day to find two great job opportunities. Decide which type of companies you want to work for and which you don't, decide which types of work you want to do and which you don't. Remember, finding a company you know you want to work for is like money in the bank – save them in your favorites and check back often for openings. This may feel less productive, but it will actually improve your chances.