5 Secrets of the Savviest Job Seekers

5 Secrets of the Savviest Job Seekers5 Secrets of the Savviest Job SeekersTried-and-true strategies might be staples of a job search, but sometimes landing a position requires a bit extra.Borrow one (or more) of these lesser-known secrets of the savviest job seekersto give your job search an edge1. Find the right person.Application materials do little good stuck in a catch-all mailbox. Warm up a cold email by sending it directly to the hiring manager at your targeted company. A little detective work on the employers website or through LinkedIn should yield results.Found what you think is the right name but lack contact info? Look for the email address of any real person at the company and study its structure. Then, plug into the format, such as Firstinitial.LastnamecompanyX.com or Lastname.FirstnameplaceY.com.2. Bring your experience to life.heidewitzka your audience with attention-getting ways to check you out. Think relevant, not gimmicky. Live links in your resume, a professional- looking personal website, a video or PowerPoint showcasing your accomplishments, or even an interactive timeline (such as Tiki-Toki) of your work history can help you become more than just another name.Or, use your cover letter space to pen an engaging narrative of a real-life situation in which your talents made a difference. Who doesnt love a good story?3. Ask an unexpected question.If the interview has been a solid two-way conversation and youre stumped on what to ask when all the important points were covered, you might try this unconventional move suggested by Linda Matias, owner ofCareerStridesand author of201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Ask, Can you think of a reason I wont be extended a job offer?Its a gutsy question, for sure, but it does open the conversation, Matias notes. It allows the interviewer to express concerns and gives the candidate an opportunity to address those concerns and remove any doubt.4. Ditch the neediness.Employers are interested in what you can do for them, not how much you need a job. Likewise, dont be surprised if an acquaintance bumped into at an industry mixer bolts for a mini quiche midway through your woeful tales.Instead, display natural curiosity with everyone you meet. Others will appreciate your interest, and you might discover an exciting lead.Or, try developing the mindset of a consultant. People will find your willingness to give advice or offer services refreshing, which can encourage stronger relationships and a greater desire to help you out.5. Consider every day hiring season.The savviest job seekers know that landing a position requires consistency. They follow through on their ambitious (but do-able) plans and revise their strategies when their efforts arent yielding returns.When fellow hunters slow down during summer months or holiday seasons, they keep going. A perfect job opening can show up at any time, so they want to be readyabflug Your Job Search