Best Practices For Your Job Search

Follow these best practices to ensure your job application bypasses the job-search black hole.

There’s nothing worse than submitting an application and never hearing back. Below are ten tips to help you avoid that job-search black hole.

Make Sure You’re a Match

Read the responsibilities and requirements sections of the job description carefully – what skill sets, education level and years of experience do they require? While the employer likely doesn’t expect you to have every single desired skill, they will expect you to meet all the core “must-have” requirements. Only apply to jobs where you possess these must-haves.

Apply Within 72 Hours

A recent study by TheLadders found that your chances of getting a call back plummet 72 hours after the job is published online, even if you were considered a good fit for the job. If you find a job that you’re truly interested in and a fit for, buckle down and get that application out as soon as possible!

Tailor Your Application

Before your resume is reviewed by a recruiter or hiring manager, it first has to get past an electronic gatekeeper called Applicant Tracking Software (called ATS for short). Before you submit your application, review the job description for key terms and requirements and make sure they are incorporated into your resume (assuming you possess those skills).

Customize Your Cover Letter

A good cover letter fits on one page and is broken down into three main sections: an introductory paragraph that explains why you’re interested in the job, a middle section that explains your qualifications and a closing paragraph that ends with a call to action. I recommend using a t-format for your cover letter to quickly show the reader how you meet the core requirements for the role. If the application doesn’t allow you to use columns, try bullets instead.

Remember, It’s Not About You

When you’re a job seeker, your mission is to show organizations how you can provide value tothem. A hiring manager doesn’t care that you’re applying for your dream job with your dream company. Rather, they want to know why you’re interested in and passionate about working there. Focus on the skills and passions that are required to do the job.

Cross Your T’s and Dot Your I’s

If 54 percent of recruiters have reacted negatively to spelling and grammatical errors found in candidates’ tweets and Facebook posts, imagine how they’ll react to mistakes in your application! Beyond proper etiquette, poor punctuation and capitalization can confuse the ATS software and scramble your application in the system. Chances are, the recruiter will ditch your application rather than taking the time to manually re-enter the information properly.

Work the System to Your Advantage

You’re ten times more likely to get a call back if your application includes an employee referral. If you’re being referred by an employee, make sure the ATS knows it; the software is smart enough to care. Choose to upload your resume instead of cutting and pasting it if this option exists in the application process. This feature often parses information and saves it in the optimal format, ensuring the cleanest presentation.

Use a Professional Subject Line and Email Address

If you’re emailing an application, use effective subject lines that reference the position you’re applying for, rather than “hello” or “intro”. Use an email address that incorporates the name you use professionally on your resume and cover letter. Cutesy, offensive, flirtatious or sexual addresses send hiring managers the wrong message.

Be Prepared for the Call

Record a professional voicemail message for the number listed on your resume. If your resume is strong enough to convince the recruiter or hiring manager to reach for the telephone, be sure the greeting on the other end of the line represents you in the best light – this includes recorded messages and whoever might answer the phone in your place.

Read the Fine Print for Follow-ups

Read the job description carefully. If an application deadline is listed, then follow up one week after that date. If you can’t find a deadline, send your follow-up note one week after your initial application. Remember, if the job listing states “no calls,” do not call to follow up. The employer will assume you can’t follow directions.

Amanda Augustine is the Job Search Expert for TheLadders. She provides job search and career guidance for professionals looking to make their next career move. Have a question for Amanda? Submit your question here for a chance to have it answered in her weekly column, and be sure to follow her at@JobSearchAmanda on Twitter and “Like” her on Facebook for up-to-the-minute job-search advice.

Job Listings!!!

ENTRY LEVEL ENTERTAINMENT ACCOUNTING POSITIONS AVAILABLE             $30 - $40,000 + BONUS, BENEFITS, AND O/T

We are working with one of the fastest growing Entertainment Business Management firms in West Los Angeles. We are looking for someone with 6 months of experience with an accounting firm or a good internship in the financial/accounting industries. 

You need a 4-year degree in accounting, finance or economics, from a reputable school, solid MS Office skills, Datafaction is a plus. We represent clients in entertainment, music, sports, and corporate sectors. We look for forward thinking people who think outside the box, leaders and game changers. We like "different."

Please submit your resume for consideration today.  We have positions available immediately - ideal for  recent college grads.

ENTRY LEVEL HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT          $35 - $45,000

Entry Level Human Resources Assistant needed for entertainment management company located in Century City. We are looking for a recent college grad with a degree in HR or a strong interest in making Human Resources your career. We are considering candidates with internships, p/t positions during school, and up to 1-3 years current administrative experience.

We would like a 4-year college degree from an upstanding school, work experience whether in a p/t job or internships, 1 - 2 years work experience is ideal, MSW, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook needed.

You will learn all about Human Resources in an a "mentorship" environment. You will learn about recruiting, best practices in the field, software specific to the industry, benefits oversight and administration, policies, procedures, reviews, EDD, workplace safety, background checking, etc. You will learn from the best and can go to the moon from here.

We are very particular about this position - we want someone eager, someone smart, someone exceptional.

We are looking in the $35 - $45,000 depending on experience. We do offer the best benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), profit sharing, bonuses, and some other perks not typical.

Please submit a cover letter with salary history and your resume. A background check will be conducted so make sure your dates are accurate.

FUND ACCOUNTANT - PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM                  $60 - 80,000 + BONUSES, BENEFITS, 401(K), LOTS OF PERKS

The candidate will be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day accounting for multiple Capital Market and Private Equity Funds. Major responsibilities include, addressing client requests, preparing valuations, statement of cash flows and IRR returns, reviewing management fee calculations, reviewing financial statements, and planning and executing capital calls and distributions. The candidate will serve as a liaison between Accounting team, Portfolio teams, Custodians, Administrators, Auditors, and Third-party vendors.

Responsibilities
§ Prepare valuations, statements of cash flows and IRR returns for all Funds
§ Review financial statements
§ Plan and execute capital calls and distributions (prepare and review of letters and schedules, tracking, confirmations)
§ Weekly update for the Portfolio team on cash balances
§ Manage audit and tax engagements / addressing audit and tax requests
§ Address client requests
§ Clear items from the asset reconciliation
§ Address requests from the Portfolio team
§ Processprivate transaction closes (funding of new investments)
§ Commence portfolio accounting for new Funds
§ Collect underlying K-1s and provide to Tax auditors
§ Update back-office team on investment activity
§ Manage and serviceaccount credit facilities
§ Prepare portfolio review materials
§ Work on special projects
§ Assist with coverage of other funds and projects as needed
§ Liaise between the back-office, custodian, and portfolio groups

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5+ years of related experience in asset management/ fund accounting
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Strong MS Office skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to synthesize multiple sources of information
• Strong analysis and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong ability to prioritize, organize, and manage time
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work well under pressure
• Independent, self-starter with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management

TEMPORARY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS needed IMMEDIATELY   $12 - 20.00/HOURLY

We are having a shortage of talented temporaries to fill long and short term assignments. The majority of our positions are in West Los Angeles (from Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles). We need typing of at least 55 wpm, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Most of our positions require business attire, great client servicing skills, proper grammar, organizational skills and the ability to change hats at any moment.

Temping is a great way to find your next full-time position, make some extra money or just keep busy and learn about new industries and meet new people. The recession may not be over but there is plenty of work available now. This is a great way to build your resume back up if you have gaps in it.

Call us today and work tomorrow.