Whether you are a college student seeking an internship or a seasoned professional looking to make a career change, applying for jobs is rarely a seamless experience. We receive countless amounts of resumes and job requests, but some stand out among the crowd. Here’s how to ensure your pitch to a potential employer will not only be seen but will also be compelling enough to help you secure the job! 

Tailor your resume 

Your resume should not be a one-size-fits-all recap of your entire employment history. Be sure that it highlights your skills and experience relevant to the specific organization or position you are applying for. Even if your previous work experience is not within the same industry, feature the skills you have honed in other jobs that can translate to the new position. For example, if all you have is retail experience but wish to work for a marketing agency, share how your knowledge of customer service, leading a team, and managing budgets are beneficial for the potential employer.  

Make a Connection 

When reaching out to a marketing agency, tell them why you want to work with them (hint: “because I need a job” is not a well thought out answer). Through this, the potential employer will see that you have done your research on the specific company and can better determine if your skills and desires would be a good fit for the team’s needs. This step is so important because if you copy and paste the same pitch to everywhere you apply, you will not stand out among other candidates. You should not only show why you want to work with the company, but also what you can bring to the table and why you would be a great addition to the organization’s culture. 

Follow Up 

Some may think applicants following up is annoying, but we have to disagree. We receive hundreds of emails, and sometimes we may miss yours or may forget to respond. If you haven’t heard back for an extended period of time, politely follow up and ask specific questions that require a response. For example, ask when you should expect to hear back or when the organization plans to decide to fill the position. As long as following up is done respectfully, it shows that you are interested in the position and eager to work.