LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Some of the best news to come out of 2012 was that the economy had improved and that more jobs were being created. Here a few tips to land the job of your dreams from Yahoo!.
- Write a standout email - Not only do employers look at your resume and cover letters, they also see the initial email you send them. Be specific in the subject line and keep it short and sweet.
- Make the most of LinkedIn - This website recently got a makeover, so take advantage of all of the new features.
- Avoid job hunting sins - There are some sins you should avoid, like sending an unpolished resume, but also there are the smaller ones you tend to forget like leading an unfocused search or getting attached to a certain position.
- Have a productive weekend - Meet with professionals who have busy work weeks, shop for a suit, or plan for the week ahead.
- Use Google Doc Templates - One of the most effective and cheapest tools you can use for organizing your job search is Google Doc Templates.
- Prevent resume red flags - Not only are spelling mistakes and typos a red flag, but so is irrelevant info, being vague on achievements, or using a tacky email address.
- Take advantage of Social Media - Social Media is a big too used by recruiters to scout potential hires. Do yourself a favor and make your account stand out by being creative and active, but don't overdo it.
- Stay upbeat - No matter what happens during your job search, keep a positive attitude. It may be easier said than done, but a positive attitude can help you score a gig.
- Master the cover letter - The cover letter is as much "make it or break it" as your resume. So keep these tips in mind: focus on the company and not yourself, tweak your tone for every application, and get familiar with cover letter mistakes to avoid.
- Ask for a personal job referral - You may know someone at a company and you want them to put it a good word, but just because you have a friend on the inside doesn't mean it will all magically come together. There are still dos and don'ts for asking for a personal job referral that can make a difference.
- Practice job interview questions - Practice your answers to the most common job questions such as "Why do you want to work for us?" and "What is your biggest weakness?" If you are well prepared, you'll be leaps and bounds ahead of your competitors.