Recruiter Tips for the 2021 Job Hunt

A new year is finally upon us, and with it, a chance for a fresh start. For some of us, that may mean exploring new jobs or even a career change.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or entering the workplace for the first time, dipping your toe into the job market can be daunting, especially after a challenging year. We recently talked to OneMain recruiter Ayasha Beckford for some tips on job hunting and more so you can feel confident as you start your search.

What’s the first thing you should do if you’re interested in a new job?

Start by figuring out what kind of position you’re looking for. Also think about what direction your career is headed and pinpoint your goals. Once you’ve done that, start researching positions you’re interested in and companies that have those types of roles. Study the job descriptions and identify what you’ve done that matches the responsibilities associated with each job.

What about resumes? Do you have any tips on what information they should contain and how to best utilize them?

When you start applying for jobs, make sure you use a resume that speaks to the skillset the position requires. You don’t want to have a blanket resume that you use for everything.

I recommend having a working resume document. As you gain new skills, add them. Your resume should be a living, breathing document. Think of it as an experience database, then pick and choose which skills you’re going to highlight in each job-specific resume.

What if you’re entering the job market for the first time as a new graduate?

It starts with your resume. Highlight what you’ve already done, including volunteer work and internships. Also highlight your education, especially classes and projects that mirror the positions you’re applying to. This is where your resume’s objective or summary comes into play. You want to give employers a precise idea of who you are and what you’re looking to do moving forward. It’s also a good idea to list previous jobs to show that you’ve been in the workforce, even in a part-time position during high school or college.

2020 was a difficult year. What does the job market look like?

Despite the challenges of 2020, there are actually a lot of companies that are continuing to hire. The roles may be different than what they were before COVID – and you may have to be a bit more flexible in your search – but the jobs are out there. One thing you may need to do is think outside your industry and identify your transferrable skills. For example, you may work, or have worked, in hospitality, but you may have transferrable skills for another industry, such as health care.

How would you recommend candidates make themselves stand out from the crowd?

Again, it comes back to your resume. My advice is to have a very professional resume. It’s the first thing a recruiter sees. It has to be concise. It has to speak to the position, because, as recruiters, we’re looking for keywords. We’re looking for specific things to match for the job we’re actually recruiting for. Also, follow the process. So when you’re applying for a role and they’re asking you to upload your resume and possibly fill out a profile, do them both. Don’t do one or the other. Do everything the employer’s asking you to do. Put yourself in the position where you’ve checked all the boxes.

Another important piece of advice, and one that’s easier than ever thanks to professional networks like LinkedIn: Don’t shy away from leveraging the power of relationships. If you know someone that works at a company you’re interested in, or you know someone that knows someone that works there, connect with them. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.

Do you have any advice for people interested in changing careers in an uncertain economy?

Think about what you’ve done in the past and your transferable skills. Go back to your resume, which should be a database of your skills. Chances are you’ve done a lot that could transfer to a new career. Study the companies you’re interested in. Study job descriptions. You may not be a cookie cutter type of candidate, but if you have those transferrable skills, and you can display that in your resume, a recruiter’s going to take that seriously. And again, as I mentioned previously, reach out to your network. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, and that can be really helpful.

What about cover letters? Are they always necessary?

It depends on the recruiter. It depends on the level of the position. It depends on the company. If you have the opportunity to do a cover letter, do the cover letter. Let the recruiter or the company do what they will with it. But if you’re going to do a cover letter, do a very good one. Make sure you hit all the points: who you are, what you’ve done, why you’re interested, what you know. Express your interest in the role. Overall, it’s better to have a cover letter. It’s going to make the package you’re presenting a lot more cohesive and a lot more presentable.

Any tips on “virtual” interviews?

Yes, definitely. One thing I want to note before I give any practical tips is that it’s important to remember that, while interviewing may feel different right now – after all, we may be doing them from our living rooms or dining room table – make sure you do all the traditional interview “homework,” so to speak, beforehand. Research the company. Check out their social media channels, read any kind of news coverage you can. The more prepared you are, the better.

As for the actual interview, you want the focus to be on you, so it’s important to have a neutral background. You also need to present yourself as if you’re actually going for a face-to-face interview with the hiring manager. That means wearing professional attire you’d have on for that face-to-face interview.

Also make sure you’re in a quiet area free from distractions. I know that can be difficult right now, but you want to be as free from distractions as possible. Test your system prior to the interview. If you’re going to be wearing headphones or air pods, make sure they work. Make sure the person can hear you clearly. You also want to have your resume readily available to refer to, as you would in a face-to-face interview.

Overall, you want to have the same mindset as if your interviewer is sitting across the table from you. The only thing that’s different is that you’re on a computer.

And just one final question, which still seems relevant even in 2021: Should you mail in a handwritten note thanking your interviewer for their time or is a well-crafted email enough?

An email is enough. Snail mail, it takes forever to get there. We could possibly fill the role before we even get the letter. Email works perfectly.

Ready to kick off your job search? We’re hiring!

OneMain Financial is growing. And we’re looking for team members who are ready to hit the ground running. If you’re ready for a new career – one you’ll love that makes a difference in people’s lives – check out our latest job opportunities at jobs.onemainfinancial.com.