Three Hiring Lessons According to CPRS and Industry Professionals

Dust your resumes, it’s time to land our dream job! Unfortunately, over the past few years achieving this goal hasn’t been easy for many people, especially students. As a result of the 2019 pandemic, the unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 6.9%.” The Canadian Human Resources Reporter also noted that, “employers are having a hard time finding qualified talent [and] … there is increased competition in the job market (26 percent).” Historically, lower applicants offered a stronger likelihood that majority of candidates would be interviewed and be able to leave an impression on the employer. Today, the number of applicants have drastically increased forcing organizations to use automated software systems to filter applications. Therefore, getting noticed by employers has become one of the biggest challenges entering the workforce.

Imagine you come across a posting for a job. After spending countless hours editing your resume and cover letter, you patiently wait for an invitation to enter your email inbox. After weeks go by, you receive no response. Some of your thoughts may include: “What were the problem areas of my application?” “Will I ever get an opportunity in the industry I am interested in?” or “I must be doing something wrong?”

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to take part in a meeting with leading public relations industry professionals to uncover the mindsets of hiring managers. Let’s discuss top hiring lessons to help you apply for a position with confidence! To simplify, I’ve organized these lessons into the three ‘Cs to help you pocket these strategies.  

1.   Customize

It’s time to channel your Indiana Jones.  According to industry professionals, the first step is to scope and investigate each detail of the job description. The second step is to tailor your resume and cover letter to those descriptors. Applicants who fail to complete these steps often get missed in the automated software program systems. By customizing your application to the job posting, it also demonstrates your attention to detail and interest in the job.

2.   Curiosity

Employers are seeking creative and curious minds. By asking questions during the interview, it shows that you can engage in a two-way conversation and fit within a group dynamic. Asking questions is an added opportunity to determine whether you are a good fit for the organization. For example, a question you could pose during the interview could be, “what is the culture of the organization?”

3.   Check-up

This final step could help seal the deal! After your interview is completed, don’t forget to send a follow-up with the interviewer to showcase your initiative and deep interest in the position. An email is a sufficient way to express gratitude for the opportunity.

These key lessons are intended to help you weave through the common barriers during hiring processes and stand out against the crowd of applicants!  As you approach your next job posting, remember the three ‘C’s and don’t forget confidence. I’ll be rooting for you!

Your biggest supporter,

Megan

 

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