STEP 1: Don’t apply to every job.

Instead of playing a numbers game and copy/pasting emails with generic cover letters, narrow your focus. Yes, this will take time, but honing in on the four or five positions you REALLY want will help you focus your resume and craft careful emails to hiring managers.

By limiting yourself to a set number of applications, you must carefully consider what you’re looking for in an employer and what kind of work environment is ideal for you. This process requires an honest assessment of your unique skill sets and needs. At MCI Institute, our career advisors and consultants can help you decide which skills are your strongest.

STEP 2: Do your research.

Researcher and writer Samuel G. Trull has found that unpreparedness is the single biggest mistake of interviewees. Spend time getting to know the company and the position you’re applying for. From your cover letter to your second interview, you should be knowledgeable about the job description and what it entails. Is this a new position in the company or are you replacing someone? Where is the office located and is it the kind of environment that suits you?

Go online and see what you can find about the company’s history, their employees, their current products and services, and customers’ reviews. Ready yourself before your interview with at least one concrete way you might be able to improve a current product or service currently.

STEP 3: Show, don’t tell.

Don’t simply list qualifications, provide concrete examples of how you helped a team reach noteworthy benchmarks and demonstrate what problems you are able to solve. Employers want you to show off your skills in an enthusiastic way. Practice your “elevator pitch” speech about yourself that concisely sums up your experiences and expertise. If you need help refining your interview skills, talk to our career advisor for extra help.