How to land your second job
Hint: You’ve already done the legwork.
If you’re two to three years into your first job and already dreaming about your next one, you’re not alone. According to a recent PayScale report, the median tenure for a millennial employee is two years.
Even though you’ve got more to offer your next employer, you’re facing a fresh set of challenges. “The job search process is very different once you’re actually in the workforce,” says career coach Phyllis Mufson.
Follow these steps to land a great second job—and steer your career in the right direction.
Revamp your resume
First of all, you’ve got to update your resume to show off all of the great things you’ve done at your first job. That will probably require cutting some sections that you included when you were first searching for a job, since your resume should be no more than a page at this point in your career. “Your resume is a marketing tool, not a list of everything you’ve done,” says Mufson.
Start by axing college extracurriculars and coursework, says Belinda Plutz, founder of the New York-based Career Mentors Inc. “Having been vice president of your fraternity or the head of your school’s student union isn’t going to impress your next employer,” says Plutz. “It also takes up valuable space on your resume.” Caveat: If the experience is something that makes you more marketable to employers (e.g., you were treasurer for your sorority and you work in accounting), keep it on your resume.
Once you’ve freed up real estate, you have room to beef up the section on your current job experience. Make sure to cite quantifiable achievements, such as having exceeded last year’s sales goal by 50%.
Tap the right people…
Want a direct referral from an employee at a prospective company? Of course you do. Yet chances are you’re not leveraging everyone in your network. These are the people you need to tap to uncover great job opportunities:
- College professors. They not only have industry experience but many work as consultants in the field—meaning they’re well connected. “Professors naturally want to help their former students succeed,” says Melissa Cooley, a career coach and professional resume writer.
- Alumni. Sharing an alma mater gives you an easy icebreaker to connect with new people. Use your college’s alumni database to find people who are working at your prospective employers. Also, attending events through your local alumni association enables you to forge relationships in person, adds Mufson.
- Former classmates. Don’t assume that these people are your direct competitors. If they work at desirable employers, they may get wind of job openings before they’re published—and can help you get in for an interview.
- Former internship managers. Your former fellow interns can also be a good source for referrals.
- Friends and family. People in your personal circles may be in a position to help you get a job, but it’s your responsibility to let them know that you’re job hunting.
…including strangers
Yes, strangers! Part of being a networking ninja is making new connections. Take the initiative to join trade groups, connect with people on social media, and attend industry events where you can also rub shoulders with recruiters. Just be strategic with who you target, says John Basie, founder and principal of career coaching firm Millennial 360 based in Atlanta. He recommends developing a list of prospective employers and then connecting with mid-level employees at those organizations. Also, “keep detailed notes on all of the people you contact,” he says, so you can send them personalized messages when you follow up.
Do some detective work
It should go without saying, but it’s crucial you thoroughly research a potential employer before submitting a job application. Follow prospective employers on social media, subscribe to their newsletters and create Google Alerts to stay on top of industry news. If you get called in for an interview, make sure you have a firm grasp on the organization’s goals, target customer or client, and position in the industry. (If it’s a public company, also look at their most recent quarter’s earnings report.)
Demonstrate your skills and enthusiasm
Once you score an interview, the key to acing it is knowing how to highlight your current work experience. One approach: “If you did well on your recent performance review, talk about why and quote your boss’ positive feedback,” advises Plutz. You want to demonstrate to the interviewer that you’re eager to work for them so that you can improve upon the skills you gained in your current job. Show them you’re past the point of getting your feet wet and are excited to keep growing your career.
Like what you’ve read? Join Monster to get personalized articles and job recommendations—and to help recruiters find you.
MORE FROM MONSTER: