Jobs & Careers
Ultimate Job Tips Guide
1. Self-Assessment: Know Yourself First
Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
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What am I good at?
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What tasks energize me vs. drain me?
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What are my long-term career goals?
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What industries or roles align with my personality?
Tools to Help:
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Myers-Briggs Personality Test
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StrengthsFinder
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Career aptitude quizzes (like on 16personalities or CareerExplorer)
2. Resume and Cover Letter Tips
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Make them count.
Resume Tips:
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Tailor your resume for each job.
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Use keywords from the job description.
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Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
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Keep it concise: 1 page (2 if very experienced).
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Use a clean, professional format.
Cover Letter Tips:
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Address it to the hiring manager if possible.
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Open with a strong hook or a compelling story.
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Explain why you’re a great fit and what you bring.
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Show passion for the role or company.
3. Job Search Strategies
Don’t just apply randomly—be strategic.
Where to Look:
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Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster
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Company websites
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Industry-specific job portals
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Networking events or alumni associations
Pro Tips:
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Use LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” feature for quick applications.
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Set up job alerts.
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Follow companies and industry hashtags.
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Use Boolean search to narrow down results (e.g.,
marketing AND "remote"
)
4. Networking
Often, it’s not what you know, but who you know.
How to Network Effectively:
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Reach out to connections on LinkedIn.
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Attend industry meetups, webinars, or conferences.
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Ask for informational interviews.
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Offer value before asking for help.
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Always follow up with a thank-you message.
5. Interview Preparation
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation builds confidence.
Before the Interview:
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Research the company and the role.
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Prepare answers for common questions (see below).
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Practice behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
Common Interview Questions:
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Tell me about yourself.
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Why do you want this job?
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What are your strengths/weaknesses?
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Describe a challenge you overcame.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
6. Mastering Virtual Interviews
In today’s job market, virtual interviews are common.
Virtual Interview Tips:
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Test your tech (camera, mic, internet).
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Choose a quiet, clean background.
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Dress professionally (even if only from the waist up).
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Look into the camera, not the screen.
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Keep notes nearby but don’t read off a script.
7. Salary Negotiation
Don’t leave money on the table.
Negotiation Tips:
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Research salary ranges on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale.
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Wait until you have an offer to discuss salary.
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Be polite but firm.
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Consider the full compensation package (benefits, bonuses, vacation, etc.)
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Practice your pitch: "Based on my experience and market research, I believe a salary of X is fair."
8. Succeeding in Your New Job
Getting the job is just the beginning.
First 90 Days Tips:
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Listen more than you speak.
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Build strong relationships with your team.
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Ask for feedback early.
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Take notes and show initiative.
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Set small goals to create quick wins.
9. Career Development
Stay valuable and relevant in the job market.
Tips for Growth:
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Take online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning).
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Stay updated on trends in your field.
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Attend workshops and conferences.
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Get a mentor or become one.
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Seek stretch assignments to build new skills.
10. Handling Rejection and Building Resilience
Rejection is part of the process.
How to Cope:
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Ask for feedback (politely).
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Don’t take it personally—sometimes it’s about fit, not talent.
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Reflect and refine your approach.
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Celebrate small wins along the way.
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Stay consistent and persistent.