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The Job Hunt Survival Guide: Do’s & Don’ts Edition 🕵️‍♀️✨

Looking for a new job? Welcome to the adventure! It’s like a treasure hunt—except instead of gold coins, you're searching for that dream role, and instead of booby traps, you’ve got awkward interviews. Let’s make sure your quest ends with a sparkling offer letter by nailing these Do’s and Don’ts:

The Magical "DO"s 🪄✨

  1. Apply Wisely, Not Wildly
    Job hunting isn’t a game of darts—don’t blindly throw applications at every posting you see. Stick to roles that actually align with your expectations and skills.
    Quality > Quantity, folks!

  2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role
    Think of your resume as your outfit for a first date. It should scream, "I’m perfect for YOU!" Use the job description (JD) as your style guide.

  3. Know the Market
    Sherlock your way into salary trends. What are others with your experience getting paid? Knowledge is power (and negotiating leverage).

  4. Meet the 60-70% Rule
    If you match 60-70% of the JD, don’t chicken out! Brush up on those gaps, and you might just dazzle them with your potential.

  5. Boost Your Resume Score
    Before hitting "Apply," run your resume through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) checker to see its score. Aim for a score above 80%! These free online tools help you align your resume with the job requirements and increase your chances of standing out.

  6. Showcase Your Goodies
    Certifications, skills, GitHub projects, LinkedIn links—slap them all on your resume. If you’ve got it, flaunt it!

  7. Quantify Your Impact
    Numbers speak louder than buzzwords. Instead of saying, "I designed a code," try, "I designed a code that boosted efficiency by 30%." See the difference?

  8. Be Research-Ready
    Before the interview, deep-dive into the company’s background, stalk (uh, research) your interviewers on LinkedIn, and find out the kinds of questions they might ask using platforms like Glassdoor.

  9. Dress for Success
    Whether the interview is virtual or in-person, dress up like it’s the Oscars. Even your Zoom shirt deserves an iron!

  10. Ace the Virtual Setup
    Virtual interviews? Keep your background neat or use those snazzy virtual backgrounds on Zoom, Teams, or Meet. Nobody needs to see your pile of laundry.

  11. Be Punctual
    Joining the call 5-10 minutes early is like showing up to a party before the snacks run out. Be on time—always!

  12. Complete Tasks Swiftly
    If you’re given an assessment or assignment, prioritize it. The faster you deliver, the fewer competitors you’ll face.

  13. Detailed, Not Drab
    In interviews, avoid one-word answers. If you don’t know something, ask for clarification or politely move to the next question. Curiosity > Guesswork.

  14. Feedback Is Gold
    After every round—whether you’re rejected or selected—request feedback. It’s like cheat codes for your next interview.

  15. Learn from Outcomes
    Didn’t land the job? No worries! Each interview is a stepping stone. Every company has unique metrics; adapt, improve, and keep going.

The Deadly "DON’Ts" 🛑

  1. Don’t Spam Applications
    Applying to 50 jobs in one day won’t make you a job magnet—it’ll make you a rejection collector. Keep it relevant.

  2. Don’t Ignore Your Resume’s ATS Score
    Submitting an unoptimized resume is like turning in a school essay without proofreading. Always check your score and tweak!

  3. Avoid Redundancy in Your Resume
    Writing the same roles and responsibilities repeatedly is like watching the same movie over and over—it gets boring. Spice it up!

  4. Don’t Ignore Skills Gaps
    If you’re lacking certain skills, don’t let it slide. Take this as a chance to learn and upskill.

  5. Don’t Slack on Research
    Showing up unprepared is a recipe for disaster. Knowing your interviewer and the company’s work can make you stand out.

  6. Skip the Clutter
    A messy background during a virtual interview is a vibe killer. Keep it clean, classy, and distraction-free.

  7. Don’t Give Vague Answers
    Saying "I don’t know" without effort shows disinterest. Try to answer thoughtfully or politely request the next question.

  8. Don’t Panic Post-Rejection
    A rejection isn’t the end of the road—it’s just a redirection. Stay calm, take notes, and move forward.

With these tips, you’re all set to turn your job hunt into a grand success story. Remember, persistence is key. Every "no" is one step closer to a "yes"!

Now, go get ‘em, tiger! 🐯✨



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