5 Smart Things Job Seekers Do First
We’ve all been there - scrolling job ads, spotting something interesting, and feeling the itch to apply right now. But before you dive in and start uploading your resume, smart job seekers take a pause.
Why? Because sending out rushed, one-size-fits-all applications won’t give you the best shot at standing out. Often, the difference between feeling invisible and landing interviews often comes down to what you do before you hit ‘submit’.
Here are five things savvy applicants do that make all the difference.
1. They stop and ask: is this actually a good fit?
It’s tempting to apply for anything that looks even vaguely close to what you want, especially if you’re feeling stuck or low on confidence. But not every job that could work is one that should.
Before applying, take a breath and ask:
Would I genuinely enjoy this work?
Does this role suit where I’m at in life right now?
Am I applying out of excitement… or panic?
Being intentional helps you save time and energy and makes it more likely you’ll land a job somewhere that actually feels right.
2. They tailor their resume (without rewriting their life story)
No need to start from scratch every time but you do want to tweak your resume, so it highlights the most relevant skills and experience for the role.
Smart job seekers:
Mirror some of the language from the job ad (without copying it word-for-word)
Include relevant examples (your achievements)
Cut anything that’s not useful for this role
Tailoring doesn’t mean overhauling. It means making sure what you send speaks directly to the job at hand.
3. They check that their LinkedIn isn’t letting them down
You don’t need to be super active on LinkedIn but if a hiring manager clicks on your profile (and they probably will), you want it to back up what your resume says.
Before you apply, ask yourself:
Is my photo clear and current?
Does my headline reflect the type of work I’m looking for now?
Is my “About” section friendly and up to date?
Does my work history line up with my resume?
Even a quick tidy-up can help you feel more confident and show that you’re engaged and proactive.
4. They make a few notes before writing their cover letter
The best cover letters don’t just repeat the resume they connect the dots.
Smart job seekers jot down a few quick thoughts before they write:
Why this company? Why this role?
What part of my background really fits this?
What would I bring to the team?
Even if the ad says cover letters are optional, sending one that’s clear and warm can give you a real edge.
5. They remember that applying is a two-way street
It’s easy to feel like job ads hold all the power. But the truth is job hunting is a mutual selection process. You're not just trying to be chosen, you're choosing too.
Before hitting apply, ask yourself:
Can I see myself working with this team?
Does the company align with my values or interests?
Do the expectations seem realistic?
Take a few minutes to browse the company’s website or careers page. It can give you a feel for the culture, values and whether it’s the kind of place you’d want to show up to every day.
A quick recap:
Before smart job seekers hit ‘apply’, they:
1. Pause and ask if it’s a good fit
2. Tailor their resume for the role
3. Do a LinkedIn check-in
4. Prep for their cover letter
5. Research the company to see if they actually want to work there
These extra steps might take a little more time, but they pay off in quality, not quantity, of applications. And that’s what gets you closer to interviews (and offers). It also helps you to feel like you are in the driver’s seat, which builds confidence and gives you back a sense of control in the process.
Want a hand getting your applications to stand out?
Whether you're applying for your first job in years, changing careers or just want to do things properly this time - I can help. From resume updates to job search strategy, we’ll make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
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