In Indy, we know a thing or two about speed, and while job hunting isn’t exactly the Indy 500, it can feel like a long road with plenty of pit stops.

Between updating your resume, filling out endless applications, prepping for interviews, and juggling follow-ups, it often feels like you’re putting in full-time effort with no guarantee of success. 

But with the right tools and strategy, you can accelerate your job search and get closer to that final interview, and ultimately, an offer.

Whether you’re just starting your search or feeling stuck mid-process, That’s Good HR is here to help you show up with confidence, nail the interview, and stand out to hiring managers. 

Start Strong with a Strategic Resume

Before you can land interviews, you need to get noticed. And that starts with a strong, relevant, and tailored resume. 

It doesn’t have to be long (in fact, one page is ideal for most applications), but it does need to be clear, targeted, and easy to read.

Here’s how to make your resume work harder for you: 

Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Take a little extra time to tailor your resume for the job you’re eyeing. Dive into the job posting and use it as a cheat sheet. 

If they’re all about teamwork, leadership, and proficiency, work those elements into your resume. 

Make sure your past job responsibilities and successes speak the same language as the job description. This kind of customization can really set your resume apart from the rest.

Focus on Outcomes, Not Tasks

When detailing your past job roles, flip the script. 

Focus less on what your daily chores were and more on what you accomplished while doing them. 

Instead of saying “Responsible for managing a team,” you might say, “Elevated team performance by implementing a new workflow, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.” 

It’s all about framing your experience around successes and results, AKA, how you made things better at your past jobs.

Make Your Resume Skimmable

Let’s be real, no recruiter is going to spend ages trying to decipher your resume. They’ve got loads of them to get through, so make yours easy to read at first glance. 

Break up text with clear headings, keep your sentences punchy, and use bullet points to breeze through your accomplishments and skills. 

The idea is to deliver your best accomplishments clearly, so folks scanning your resume can spot your qualifications without having to hunt for them. 

A well-crafted resume is essentially your foot in the door, and what gets you noticed in the competitive job market. By presenting a resume that speaks directly to the job you want, you set the stage for making a memorable first impression.

Treat the Job Search Like a Project

Approach your job search like you would any complex task: with a plan. 

Start by setting daily or weekly goals. Maybe it’s submitting three applications a day, reaching out to five new contacts, or refining your LinkedIn profile.

Use a spreadsheet, job tracking tool, or even a basic checklist to monitor where you’ve applied, interview statuses, and follow-up actions. 

Staying organized can help you avoid burnout, and being strategic and consistent helps you accelerate your job search instead of constantly spinning your wheels, hoping something will stick.

Tap Into the Hidden Job Market 

According to NGPF.Org, up to 70% of open positions are never publicly posted online. They’re filled through referrals and internal recommendations. 

That’s why networking is so important.

Here are some ways to expand your reach during the job search process:

Tell People You’re Looking for A Job 

Let people in your network know you’re on the hunt for your next opportunity. 

A simple LinkedIn post saying, “Hey, I’m exploring new opportunities in [xyz industry]. If you know of anything or can connect me with someone, I’d love to chat!” can go a long way. 

You can also send direct messages to past colleagues, mentors, or friends. People love to help, but they need to know you’re looking first!

Attend Virtual or In-Person Events 

Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or overly formal. It’s just about showing up and striking up conversations with people who share your professional interests. 

Check out local meetups, industry-specific groups, or job fairs (many of which are virtual these days). Even casual events can spark important connections and get your name in front of hiring managers, recruiters, and employers. 

You never know how one connection can lend itself to your job search.

Request Informational Interviews

Otherwise known as “coffee chats,” informational interviews are not about asking for a job outright–they’re about learning and building relationships with other professionals. 

Reach out to someone whose career you admire or who works at a company you’re interested in, and ask if they’d be open to a quick conversation about their role or industry insights. 

An information interview is not just an opportunity to gain insight from professionals in your industry; These are often the same people who will think of you when a position opens, or even refer you to someone in their network. 

It’s a win-win!

Prepare for the Finish Line 

Nailing your interview starts way before you sit down in that chair or log onto that video call. You’re not just responding to questions, you’re actively engaging in a conversation that showcases your readiness, your ability, and your eagerness to be part of the team. 

Here are some solid prep tips to keep you in the game:

Do Company Research 

You gotta do your homework here. And no, it’s not just skimming the company’s “About Us” page minutes before the interview. 

Dive deep into what the company really stands for, what they’re proud of, and any recent buzz they’ve made in the news. Get a vibe for their culture by checking out their social media profiles and any articles about them. 

When you can casually drop some of this knowledge into the conversation, it’s clear evidence you’ve done the legwork and are genuinely interested in being a part of what they’re building.

Practice Common Interview Questions 

Run through common interview questions and answer them out loud. This might feel a bit silly, but trust us, it’s key to showing up to an interview prepared. 

Whether it’s to your mirror, your pet, or a friend pretending to be the interviewer, practicing out loud helps you finesse your answers and get comfortable with saying them. 

And don’t just stop at rehearsing answers. Prep some real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills and achievements.

We recommend the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. 

Let’s break it down: 

• Situation: “Our customer support team was overwhelmed with inquiries.”
• Task: “I was asked to find a way to reduce response time.”
• Action: “I created a centralized FAQ and trained our team on triaging tickets.”
• Result: “We cut average response times in half and improved our customer satisfaction score by 18%.”

Next time you’re prepping for an interview, try turning three accomplishments into STAR stories and practice saying them out loud. You can thank us later 😉

Accelerate Your Job Search with That’s Good HR 

At That’s Good HR, we’re here to help you navigate each step of the job search with confidence. From resume tips to interview prep, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

Whether you’re looking to make a career pivot, return to the workforce, or level up in your current industry, we’re here to help you accelerate your job search and get closer to that final interview.

Ready to move forward? Visit our website to browse our open roles and learn how we can help you land your next opportunity.