7 Basic Job Hunting Tips We Often Overlook That Can Make All The Difference

Whether you're working part-time and searching for your dream job, or just wishing you could switch over from your current job and start over, finding a new gig and making yourself stand out as the ideal candidate in front of a prospective employer can be a tricky process. Luckily for all of us, these foolproof techniques will have us off to a good start.

Here are seven job hunting tips that will make switching over a breeze:

1. Schedule in this little fact for your meeting

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When you're called in for an interview, the first thing you do is schedule your meeting after first considering how many leaves you have. The meeting may fall on a day you're tied-up with a project at your current job. Of course, that is if you have a current (dead-end) job. Tying up loose ends and trying to fit in a meeting into your schedule is not a job for someone looking to hire you. If you're a graduate off to a fresh start, this doesn't hardcore apply to you yet but keep it in mind for the many more jobs to come.

2. Be on time: not too early, not too late

Reaching for an interview way before your meeting actually starts can make you come off as a bit needy. There's no big harm done but perception matters, and it's something you need the best of at this moment. If you're late, it may make it seem you're not really interested in the job. And even if not that, the interviewer may feel your tardiness could come up again during your stint at their company.

3. Customise your resume

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It's great that you have pristine-looking resume you got made from professionals. But you need to customise your resume to suit the profile you're applying for. That's an edge over the other right there.

4. Don't make this mistake with your cover letter

Your cover letter doesn't have to read like a version of your resume, claims Glassdoor. It's supposed to give more background information and explain why you, the candidate, deserve the position over everyone else. Make sure you include a call to action like, 'look forward to discussing next steps.' This extra step lets a future employer know you're keen on becoming a part of the company. Bonus tip: even if the company hasn't asked for a cover letter, attach one nonetheless.

5. It's good to ask questions

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Sure you've heard this so many time before but how many times have you done this? We're assuming at this stage you've read up on the company you're applying for and gone through the job description. An important step we often overlook is asking questions. Once you've gone through the company's website, figure out the questions you need to ask your interviewer (like growth opportunities, how to overcome challenges, if any) and ask them. Don't overdo it either. More importantly, don't skip this step. Not asking questions, unfortunately, can make you seem 'disinterested.'

6. Don't accept the job offer just yet. Reconsider

According to Glassdoor, don't accept the job offer on the spot. Leave some space for going over matters. Head home and reconsider the offer, and figure out if the profile does in fact suit you. Do a little research and figure your market value and whether the you need to negotiate the salary.

7. Don't forget to send that 'thank you' note

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You've survived the interview and things can go in any direction. Make sure you follow up with all the people you interacted with during the whole process, and send in a genuine 'thank you' note. Doing so within two hours after the interview is good. On email is preferable. Just don't let any grammatical mistakes ruin it.