Three job-hunting strategies to adopt without delay

According to a poll published by Forbes, for each job opening that gets advertised there are approximately 120 people who will apply for it. So how to stand out from the pack? Try adopting these three strategies.

1. Customize your resume
Sending out targeted resumes and cover letters to prospective employers is a must. This maneuver requires showing how your particular qualifications bear on the specific hiring criteria and demonstrating how your experiences align with the job. In an employer’s eyes, a targeted resume has an edge over a generic one.

2. Use your network
Did you know that employee referrals account for about 40 percent of new hires? Therefore you should make as many connections as you can—your next job opportunity could come from any direction.

Ideally, you’ll connect with people both in person and online. In-person connections tend to be more valuable. On the other hand, there’s no limit to how many online connections you can make through social media and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Keep in mind that companies are increasingly fishing for new talent online.

3. Learn a new skill
If you find that a lot of the jobs that interest you require a skill you don’t have, ask yourself if you can acquire it. For instance, if a position demands that you be knowledgeable in search engine optimization (SEO) or Microsoft Office, you could consider completing an online course in one or the other (there are a number of reputable courses that can be completed in a short period of time that will provide you with a certificate upon finishing).

Be sure to adopt these strategies and it likely won’t be long before you’ve landed your new position.