Maybe you’ve read all the most recent job interview articles from Forbes Magazine, or the New York Times, and you’ve identified creative ways to distinguish yourself from other applicants, but while you’ve strategized the innovative techniques to get an employer to remember your name, did you forgot the fundamentals? Below are six tips that take the job search process back to basics.

Make Yourself an Obvious Fit – As the technological aspect of the job search process has evolved, so has the way that companies are scanning the resumes of applicants. Many organizations now use a computerized system that allows them to submit a resume, and digitally scan them for keywords they’re searching for. It’s because of this that it is extremely important to look at more than the title of the job, and instead analyze the job description and qualifications. Take this information, look at your own resume, and tailor your resume so that you’re showing the company that you are a perfect match. We’re not saying lie about what you’ve done, rather highlight similarities between past experiences and their qualifications. Line your resume up so that both a computer and human will be able to clearly see that you can fulfill their current needs.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Online Applications – Technology has gifted us with the ease of applying to multiple jobs quickly. No longer do you have to print out all the necessary information, place it in an envelope with a stamp, and mail it out. Candidates are now able to immediately submit their information to potential employers. While that is wonderful, and saves a lot of people a lot of time, your involvement shouldn’t end there. Applying for a job should go beyond the computer screen, and you should do everything you can to get your face in front of the team. One way of doing this is after submitting your application online schedule an informational interview with the department. This will allow you to meet with the team, and learn a bit more about the position you could potentially be filling.

Many companies also now have internal recruiters, so it may be beneficial to find their information on the company website and reach out to them personally letting them know you’ve applied and are interested in learning a bit more about the position, and if you could schedule a meeting. Getting yourself in front of the people you will work with instantly sets you apart.

Your Resume is Flexible  – Like explained in the first tip, you can alter your resume so that it makes sense for the position you’re applying for. It is pointless to have “dog walker” on your resume if you’re applying to an accounting firm. Choose three jobs you’ve held in the past, where you’ve carried out responsibilities that could help you in the position you’re applying for. Elaborate a bit more on these three positions so that you’re really sealing the deal. (FYI throughout your entire career you should be adding to your resume)

You Will Never Bore Anyone Into Hiring You – You’re not a boring person, and you do have a life outside of work and employers understand that. It’s what you do with that time that will set you apart. This doesn’t mean you have to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, although that is wonderful, but instead maybe you have a hobby that has allowed you to develop skills that would be beneficial for the position you’re applying for. This is also not to say that you shouldn’t come across as polished, articulate, and professional. Instead it’s merely a suggestion that hobbies and activities outside of work could contribute to skills you utilize during work. Be memorable and confident that you can provide them what they’re looking for. Go the distance and it will pay off.

If You’re Not on LinkedIn, Set It Up Now – More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool because it provides them with resumes to thousands and thousands of applicants. In addition to employers seeking you out, LinkedIn is also a great way to connect with past co-workers and even employers, using their network as a platform for your job search. After you’ve submitted an online application, and before you’ve reached out to the company for an informational interview, you can connect with the employer on LinkedIn, so now before they’re event meet you they can match a name with a face. Invest the time into using social media for your job search.

Thank You Matters – After an in person interview, whether it’s official or informational, immediately take down the names of everyone, yes everyone, you spoke with and something you remember about the conversation. This needs to be done as soon as possible while the information is still fresh in your mind. Each letter should be personalized, and you should not be sending one inclusive thank you letter to the entire office. It could be beneficial to draft a generic thank you note so that when you get back you can take the notes you took immediately after the interview and fill in the blanks. When writing these thank you letters also keep in mind that you are still selling yourself, so be sure to remind them one last time of what you can do for them.

We are here to help you, so please feel free to contact a local recruiter or check out our job board! 

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