How to Get a Job

You may have recently graduated and are searching for your first job, or perhaps your current job isn’t the right fit. No matter the situation, you are eager to find work quickly. The job search process can be disheartening, but staying focused and organized will increase your chances of success. Your chances of landing a job are greater if you proactively seek out opportunities, tailor your resume to match job requirements, and make a strong impression during the application process.

Carefully Read the Job Description. The first step in applying for any job is to thoroughly understand the job content. Pay attention to the job description and focus on the required skills and duties.

• Do not apply for jobs you are not qualified for. For example, if you don’t speak Spanish, don’t apply for positions that specify “Fluency in Spanish required.”

Highlighting keywords is crucial. Pay attention to the emphasized phrases in the job description. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you may notice terms like 'digital marketing', 'SEO', and 'Google Analytics'. Make sure to incorporate these terms into both your resume and cover letter.

Review your application before submission. Many job search engines and company websites will require you to submit your resume online. Before clicking 'Submit', take time to carefully go over everything you've written, including your resume and cover letter. Double-check your personal details to ensure everything is accurate.

Perform well in the interview. Ideally, your efforts will lead to an interview. If you're invited, take time to prepare. Gather specific examples from your past achievements and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. For example, you could say, 'I know you are looking for new ways to increase sales, and I would love to share my idea for a direct marketing campaign.'

• Dress professionally.
• Maintain eye contact and speak confidently.
• Be on time.

Send a thank-you letter. It’s a standard professional courtesy to send a brief thank-you note after an interview. Typically, this is done via email. You can write something like, 'Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I was excited to learn more about your organization and I am eager about the opportunity to become part of your team.'

• You may also send a thank-you note after applying. For example, 'I'm writing to ensure that my application has been received. I am happy to provide additional materials to support my qualifications if needed.'

Tailor your resume to match the job description. Your resume is a tool for showcasing your skills and certifications. Equally important, it’s used by employers to determine if your abilities meet their requirements. Make sure to edit your resume to align with each specific job you’re applying for. Look for key phrases and themes in the job listing, and highlight these words on your resume.

• For example, a job may require 'excellent communication skills'. Be sure to include specific examples that showcase your communication abilities from previous experiences.
• You don’t need to rewrite your entire resume for each job application, but you should emphasize the most relevant skills for the position.

Build a personal profile. Start your resume with a brief introduction to yourself for the recruiter. Write a short paragraph describing your skills, allowing the employer to understand what specific competencies you bring to the role. Keep it concise and professional.

• Highlight your most important skills in just a few sentences.
• Avoid vague terms like 'well-organized'. Instead, use specific terms such as 'negotiation', 'decision-making', and 'time management'.

Write a cover letter. While many jobs only require a resume, some also ask for a cover letter. Prepare a draft cover letter that you can easily tailor to different job listings. A strong cover letter should highlight your experience and qualifications, using concrete examples to explain why you're a good fit for the job.

• For instance, if the job description asks for teamwork skills, you could mention an internship where you led a project with other interns.
• Try to keep your cover letter to one page.

Proofread carefully. Review your resume and cover letter, and then review them again. Make sure to correct any spelling or grammar mistakes. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your documents. A fresh pair of eyes may spot errors you've missed.

Maintain your online image. In today’s job market, most job searches are conducted online, so your online presence matters. Focus on cultivating positive and professional social media profiles. You never know when a potential employer may check your information.

• For example, make sure your LinkedIn profile is impressive. Your headline should be concise, like 'Research Analyst'.
• Make the most of the available space to list your experience and skills.
• Don’t forget to update your profile.
• Ensure your profile includes contact information and a link to your resume.

Search online. A significant number, if not the majority, of companies and organizations advertise job openings on online recruitment websites and their own company sites. If you already have a company in mind, start by checking their website. You'll likely find a section labeled 'Careers' or 'Job Opportunities'. Click on that section to explore current vacancies.

• You can also use online job search engines to expand your search. Simply enter keywords and location on popular websites like Indeed, Jobs.com, TheLadders, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
• For instance, if you're looking for a medical device sales role in Hanoi, you would search for 'sales', 'medical', and the location 'Hanoi'. You can also use English keywords to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities with foreign companies operating in Vietnam.
• If you're based in the U.S., Craigslist is another useful website for finding jobs, especially when you're looking for something immediate.

Use social media. Social media isn’t just for fun and staying in touch with friends—it can also be a powerful tool for job hunting. When using social media for job searches, consider setting your account to 'private' or creating a separate professional profile to share with potential employers. The following platforms are excellent for job searching:

• LinkedIn: Use this platform to build a professional online profile. Here, you can share your resume, allowing potential employers to learn more about you. You can also upload your current resume for others to follow.
• Twitter: More people are using Twitter to find jobs. You can follow companies you’re interested in to view their job postings, and also use trending hashtags like #jobs and #jobhunt to search for positions (this is mostly relevant for overseas jobs).

If you live in the U.S., make use of your state’s job bank. You can search for job listings specific to your state through the Internet. Each state has its own online job bank, which aggregates job positions across various industries. Look up your state’s job bank and begin your search.

• Like other search tools, state job banks allow you to search by keywords and city.

Start building your network. Networking is a great way to build relationships with professionals in your field, as well as meet new people. Be bold and take the initiative to connect with individuals who might help in your job search. You might say, 'I’m just starting out in marketing—do you know of any opportunities that would be a good fit for me?' Consider reaching out to:

• Professors or lecturers who taught you in school
• Previous employers
• People working at companies you're interested in
• Anyone you know in a profession similar to the one you aspire to

Let others know that you're looking for a job. Friends and family can be your best allies during your job search. They might come across job opportunities you haven't heard of. Even their connections could be in touch with potential employers. Make sure everyone within your circle knows you're on the hunt for a new role.

• For instance, you could say: "I’m looking for a new job in the publishing industry. If you come across any openings, could you let me know?"

Attend job fairs. Job or career fairs are a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about potential employers. These events are often organized by cities or universities, and sometimes private organizations as well.

• Check your city's or university’s website for upcoming job fair details.
• At job fairs, you can gather brochures and information from companies hiring, and you also get the chance to talk directly with recruiters.

Stay organized. Having a specific plan will be your most useful tool. Take time to create a job search plan. Schedule daily or weekly tasks related to your job search. Your schedule might include tasks like:

• Checking online job postings
• Reaching out to your network
• Updating your resume and cover letter
• Applying for a set number of jobs each week

• Apply to multiple jobs at once.
• Always keep your resume updated.
• Stay aware of new opportunities in your area.
• Be open to receiving positive feedback.