Job Seeker Tips: How to Get Hired Faster (Resume + Interview Advice)

If you are searching for a new role, these job seeker tips will help you stand out, get interviews faster, and land a position that fits your goals.

Whether you are applying for contract work, temporary assignments, or a full-time role, a few simple changes can make a big difference.

Improve Your Resume (Fast)

Your resume is often your first impression, and most hiring teams scan it quickly.

Here are job seeker tips that can strengthen your resume right away:

Keep formatting clean and easy to read
Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
List your most recent experience first
Focus on results, not just responsibilities

A quick improvement: update your first 3 bullet points under your most recent role to include measurable results when possible.

Helpful resource (U.S. Department of Labor):
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training

Using Keywords (ATS + Humans)

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications. That is why job seeker tips around keywords matter.

Try this:

Pull 5 to 10 important terms from the job posting
Add them naturally into your:
- skills section
- job bullet points
- professional summary

Examples of keywords include:

customer service
data entry
scheduling
case management
compliance
Microsoft Excel

Only include skills you actually have.

Helpful resource (CareerOneStop):
https://www.careeronestop.org/

Applying Strategically (Not Just More)

Applying to a large number of jobs with no response is frustrating. A better approach is to apply with focus.

Use these job seeker tips:

Apply within the first 24 to 72 hours of a posting
Prioritize roles where you meet 60 to 80 percent of the requirements
Customize your resume headline to match the job title
Track applications in a simple spreadsheet

Often, quality and timing matters more than volume.

Following Up the Right Way

Following up is one of the most overlooked job seeker tips, and it can help you stand out.

A good follow-up timeline:

2 to 3 business days after applying: short check-in
24 hours after an interview: thank you email
5 to 7 business days later: polite status request

Sample follow-up message:

Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up and reiterate my interest in the [Role Title]. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me. Thank you again.

Helpful resource (Indeed):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-follow-up-after-an-interview

“Tell Me About Yourself”

This question appears in many interviews. Having a strong answer is one of the best job seeker tips you can use.

Use this structure:

Who you are and what you do
Your strengths and 1 to 2 accomplishments
What role you want next and why

Aim for 30 to 45 seconds. Keep it clear, confident, and relevant.

Helpful resource (Glassdoor):
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/tell-me-about-yourself/

What Employers Actually Notice

Many hiring decisions come down to reliability and communication.

Employers notice job seekers who:

Show up on time
Respond clearly and professionally
Come prepared with questions
Follow through on next steps

Being dependable is a competitive advantage in any job market.

Consider Working With a Staffing Agency

Job searching does not have to be a solo process.

A staffing agency can help you:

Access jobs that may not be posted publicly
Get feedback on your resume
Prepare for interviews
Find roles that match your schedule and goals

At Temporary Staffing Professionals (TSP), we help job seekers connect with opportunities that fit their experience, availability, and long-term plans.

Internal links (update with your real pages):
Browse open positions with TSP: https://www.temporarystaffingprofessionals.com/job-search/
Contact our team: https://www.temporarystaffingprofessionals.com/contact-us/