3 key tactics to land your dream job now

The job market is more competitive than ever, leaving candidates searching for ways to stand out. Sam DeMase, career expert at ZipRecruiter, joined TheStreet to break down the top three techniques to secure your next role.

Related: Here are the top skills recruiters are looking for

Full Video Transcript Below:

SAM DEMASE: Three strategies that are working right now for candidates that I've observed. One is definitely utilizing a value proposition in your resume and your cover letter. The number one thing, our data shows that the number one thing employers are looking for right now is relevant experience and skills. So the best way to highlight that is through a value proposition statement. So for example, you can say I know you're looking for someone who has experience building ABC. Here's how I did that in my last role. And then briefly run through exactly how you achieved that in your last position. So that's number one. 

Strategy number two is definitely job alerts. So because the market is so fiercely competitive right now timing really matters. So setting up job alerts ZipRecruiter has a job alerts feature where you can set up your title, location, industry salary and get alerts sent directly to your email. Getting in there within the first couple of days of posting will make a huge impact on your odds. Timing is everything right now. If you wait, there's going to be hundreds, 200, even 1,000 applicants and your resume is not going to get seen. So that's strategy number two. 

Strategy number 3 is going to be tailor tailoring your application materials for the role. And the best way to do that is to really be self-aware about your skill sets. Know what you're good at and make sure you're applying for roles that are directly aligned. The more value a role places on your skill sets, the higher you're going to get paid. So making sure that your skill sets are hyper aligned with the role, and that your resume and your cover letter reflect those relevant keywords. So if the top skills for the job are communication. Interpersonal skills, organization, detail orientation. Make sure those skill sets are organically woven into your resume.

I think, an underrated job search tactic that people are overlooking is the value proposition statement for sure. I think too many people are way too focused on trying to sell an employer on why they want the role, or why they love the company, when they should be focusing on the value that they're going to add. So instead of saying, I love this company because of ABC reason, and that's great to add in your cover letter, what you want to be focusing on is my skill sets in ABC enable me to achieve x, y, Z results for companies. That is how you frame your value proposition in a way that companies will be excited to interview you and bring you on.