How to land a job in a hot market - CNN

How to land a job in a hot market

(CNN)The job market is still going strong, and that's good news for job seekers.

The unemployment rate fell to 3.5% last month -- the lowest since December 1969.
    A hot job market makes it easier to find a job, but the interview process can still be long and require a lot of stamina.

      The never-ending job interview process

      First comes the screener call, then the face-to-face-interviews, maybe a test, and likely some take-home work to prove your competency.
      All of that on top of your regular full-time job.
        A drawn-out interview process can be exhausting. Here's how to stay on top of your game and get to that final job offer.

        Ask the right questions

        There's one question you can pretty much guarantee a job interviewer is going to ask: Do you have any questions for me?
        Here's your time to shine.
        You should come prepared with insightful questions to learn more about the role and to make sure the company is a good fit.
        Asking astute questions shows engagement and tells an interviewer you are listening and genuinely interested in the position.

        Sneaking away for job interviews

        Job hunting while employed can feel a bit like cheating -- sneaking away to take phone calls, coming up with excuses to go on interviews.
        Job hunting at your current place of employment is a no-no since employers can review activity done on company-issued devices. So how do you pull it off?
        For starters, set boundaries. Job hunting can take over your life, so it helps to designate a specific time.

        Signing off at your old job

        Congratulations! You successfully interviewed and landed a new job. Now you have to resign from your current position.
        Where do you start? Your boss.
        Your immediate supervisor should be the first person you tell about your decision to leave the company. Even if you don't get along with your boss and they're the reason you sought a new job, make that your first stop.
        When it comes to divulging information about your new gig, experts advise keeping it very top level -- if you can.

        New hires: Don't do this

        The job market is so good that some new hires are flaking on their employers before they even start.
        Some candidates are getting multiple job offers and don't show up on their start dates, without giving the employers a heads up.
          No-show hires are expensive for employers: they have to start the interview process over and it can take a toll on employee morale.
          But deserters beware: The job market it won't always be this good. So protect your brand and avoid burning bridges.