Looking for your next gig? The job search process can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help!
In today’s world, technology and AI have, in many ways, made finding jobs easier—particularly through new tools to help you with your search for the right role. But the evolving job market is more competitive than ever and can feel like a numbers game. In fact, applying for a new job can feel like a full-time job in itself!
You’re not alone in feeling this way! So we spoke with Nichole Wolff, a recruiter on our talent acquisition team. Keep reading to get Nichole’s insight into how to land your next dream job through each stage of the process, and watch the video below for advice from Relativity recruiters Maja Malinowska and Savrut Pandya.
Diligent Job Searching
Our team highly recommends following these best practices as you browse job postings and apply for the roles that interest you.
Tailor Your Resume
Generative AI is a great tool to help you quickly review job postings and update your resume to ensure the right skills are being highlighted for each specific role. While it’s easy and acceptable to use AI when updating your resume, don’t forget to add your own spice back to it! We want to see your personality, not ChatGPT’s.
Really Ponder What You’re Looking For in Your Next Role
It’s important to remember that you’re interviewing the company as much as the company is interviewing you. Think about what is essential to you in your next role and what questions you need to ask to get the information you need to see if a potential employer is the right place for you.
Do Plenty of LinkedIn Outreach
A LinkedIn connection with someone at the company you’re applying for is just a click away! You can absolutely reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn. Even better, look up the role and company you’re applying to and see if you can find the hiring manager or a team member with a similar role and department. This is a great strategy for connecting with an individual who may be your future coworker or manager. Take the opportunity to learn about their experience, the type of work the role is responsible for, and why (or if!) they think the company is a great place to work.
Defining your Personal Brand
Crafting and presenting your personal brand can showcase you as a thought leader and subject matter expert in your field. It’s about helping others see who you are, what you know, and everything you’ve accomplished.
To begin, think about your career journey and understand your story. At Relativity, one of our core values is to “be humble and stay hungry.” We want to ensure all our employees can show up as their authentic selves at work. In much the same way, building a personal brand is about integrating who you are with what you’re great at.
When talking about yourself—whether it’s in a cover letter, a networking session, or on LinkedIn—share your successes, what drives you, the challenges you’ve overcome, and even the mistakes you’ve made and what you learned from them. These are all things that help define your personal brand and are ways you can add value to an organization.
People value authenticity and respect, so make sure your personal brand showcases both!
Preparing for an Interview
Landing an interview is a major milestone in your job search—so congratulations for getting to this point! Make sure you make a positive impression by preparing for the conversation; don’t just wing it.
Carefully Review the Job Posting
Take a look back at the job description and responsibilities; come prepared to reference how your experience aligns with the role and illustrates your expertise.
Explore the Product, Company, and Industry
Being in the know about the product, company, and the industry behind the role will help you understand how you can add value. Check out the company’s website, social media, and articles or company news that highlight what big initiatives they are working on. Share what you can bring to the team when it comes to these goals!
Reflect on the Company’s Core Values
At Relativity, our values are our driving force, and we want to know how you align with them. Many other organizations will have a similar approach, so review a company’s core values before your interview to understand the culture a bit better and ensure you agree with them.
The Interview Process
Similar to preparing in advance of an interview, it’s important to stay alert and on-task during and after the conversation. Sometimes it’s easy to let your nerves draw your answers off the rails or leave a conversation hanging; remain focused by keeping these tips in mind.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Most interviewers will leave room for you to ask them questions at the end of your session. This isn’t just for your information gathering; it’s also a great time to leave a lasting impression on the folks on the other side of the table. Have a list of questions about the culture, role, or even what your interviewer likes best about working there (we love talking about this!) ready. Make sure these aren’t questions whose answers you can find on the company website; make them thoughtful and experience-based. This is also a good time to evaluate the company, as their interview team should be invested in ensuring candidates have clarity as they navigate the interview process. They should welcome your curiosity.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
If you think of questions after your interview is complete, or have follow-up questions, don’t hide them away. It’s okay to follow up with the recruiter with any additional questions. Similarly, if it’s been more than 5 days since an interview and you haven’t heard anything, please drop your recruiter a line! We want to make sure you get a timely response.
One Thing to Remember
Looking for a job can be challenging at times—and exhausting. Remember to take care of your mental and physical health when searching for a new role. Make space for joy so you can continue to approach this process with enthusiasm and curiosity!
Want to Be a Relativian?
Relativity is hiring! Learn more about how we hire and check out our available positions.
Don’t see a position you’re interested in right now? Join our talent network to receive job alerts, company news, and an inside look into our culture.
Jenny Hollowed is a senior specialist of recruitment marketing at Relativity, where she helps tell the Relativity story and connect with professionals in legal and tech.
