Finding your ideal job is time consuming and can be frustrating, especially if you have no idea what type of job you’re looking for. With most job applications now being submitted online it has become far easier to apply for jobs and has resulted in much higher volumes of applicants per job, so its important to stand out. Here are 10 tips for improving your job search!
Keep a record
Keep a log of your applications. Many candidates make the mistake of applying to hundreds of jobs and then not remembering what jobs they’ve actually applied for. Some hiring managers will ring candidates for an impromptu telephone interview, having a log of your applications on hand can help you to answer any questions more effectively and reassure an employer of your genuine interest in a role.
Register your CV
Registering your CV with job sites and with recruitment agencies can help put you in the running for roles you may not have been aware of. This can help to improve your prospects by highlighting you as a potential candidate when someone is looking to fill a role you’d be suitable for.
Do your homework
Do some research into the type of role you’re applying for to help you personalise your application. Your knowledge of a role and company will help to impress employers and can give your application an edge, helping you to stand out from other candidates.
Narrow down your search
Searching for jobs in a specific industry, or looking for a certain type of role, will help you when personalising your application and can save you a lot of time. Have a think about what it is that you want out of your career to help you narrow down your job search.
Personalise your CV
It is essential that you adapt your CV to the job you’re applying for! Many people make the mistake of using the exact same CV for each role, failing to highlight skills that they have and may be important to the role. Job descriptions will often detail what an employer is looking for, so use this as a tool to personalise your CV and show that you’re a great fit for the role.
Expand where you’re searching for jobs
Don’t just stick to the usual job sites as it will limit your search! Many employers are now posting job opportunities on social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. Try joining Facebook groups for your local area, to be alerted to new jobs and search hashtags such as #newjob or #hiring to expand your job search and find new vacancies.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Reach out to your personal and professional network, as they may know of new or upcoming opportunities. They could also have experience in a similar situation and can help to point you in the right direction and improve your job search.
Update your LinkedIn profile
Updating your LinkedIn profile can help to alert employers on the network that you are looking for work. More hiring managers are using LinkedIn to search for potential candidates. Using and updating LinkedIn can help to flag you up as a candidate and improve your job search.
Manage your social media content
Make sure what you’re posting on social media is suitable, especially if your content is visible to potential employers. Some companies will check your social media presence when considering you for a role, so make sure what they can see online won’t harm your professional reputation.
Create a professional email
It is important that the email address you provide to employers is professional. Your email address will likely be one of the first things a hiring manager will see on your CV, so make sure that their first impression of you isn’t harmed by an inappropriate email address. If you decide to set up a new email address for your job search make sure that you monitor it regularly so you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
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