Struggling to get the job you want? Here are five top tips
Finding a job can often be challenging and frustrating. This is especially the case when you’re searching in a popular field of work that has a limited number of jobs available but a high volume of applicants.
When there are multiple people applying for the same roles, only the best candidates will be successful. This is understandable but it can still be disheartening when you either don’t receive an interview for the position or you are unsuccessful after being interviewed.
Luckily, there are lots of things that you can do to maximize your chances of success when you’re applying to job vacancies. Here are five top tips to help you get your dream job.
1) Make a professional resume
You don’t have to be an expert when it comes to creating a professional resume. However, it might take you some time to perfect each section.
Your resume is acting as an advertisement to the employer. It needs to be clear and concise, while also reflecting all the key skills and qualities that you possess. Employers have a limited time to check through the hundreds of applications that they receive for every job vacancy. Usually, they scan through each resume and immediately dismiss any that don’t look professional.
When your resume is well written and follows a great structure, it will capture the attention of the hiring manager. They’ll be intrigued about your application and will want to fully read through your resume.
Relevant work experience and achievements are two of the most essential elements of your resume. If you have the right skillset and work experience for the role, you’re likely to be invited to interview.
Make sure to adapt your resume according to the specific jobs that you are applying for. Take a look at each job description and identify the key skills that the employer wants in their new employee. Sprinkle these keywords into your resume to show the hiring manager that you’re a great fit for the job. This will immediately impress the hiring manager and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to interview.
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to writing a great resume, you can hire a professional resume writer to help you out.
2) Build your network
There is something known as the hidden job market. This describes all of the job vacancies that are not posted online. It’s estimated that around three-quarters of all jobs are secured through the hidden job market.
Many of the hidden job market roles are filled through networking. When an employee makes a recommendation about somebody that they know, an employer is more likely to give this person the job over a brand-new applicant.
By building your network and making more connections, you can increase the chances of being recommended to your dream employer.
Networking also provides you with the opportunity to meet people within your desired industry. You can get real-life advice and guidance on you can learn more about what’s it like to work in their field.
Attend networking events and careers fairs to start making connections. You should also leverage social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, to find professionals within the field and strike up a conversation with them.
3) Do your research
It’s easy to start applying to every vacancy that you see when you’re on a job hunt. But it’s a much more lucrative use of your time and energy to narrow down your searches.
Even if you have a lot of different passions and interests, try to think about which career path is most suitable for you. Consider your skill set, qualifications, and work experience.
Once you have narrowed your choices down to just one or two career paths, it will be much easier to find the right vacancies. You can make very specific searches and begin to research companies within the field.
Narrowing down your search also makes it much easier to write your resume. You’ll be able to use a very similar resume for every job you applied for when they are in the same field of work.
4) Include examples in your resume
Anybody can list a bunch of skills on their resume but employers are looking for something more. They’re looking for candidates who use examples of where they’ve used these particular skills in the past.
When you’re writing out your skills and qualities on your resume, include examples of where you have applied these skills in your personal or professional life. Create engaging stories that capture (and keep) the attention of the hiring manager.
You can use something known as the STAR method to elevate your examples to the next level. STAR stands for situation, task, action, and result. Using this method, you can clearly display how you are able to adapt and apply your skills to new situations.
So, for every example or story that you use in your resume, describe the scenario or task, explain the actions that you took based on your skills and competency, and then explain what happened as a result of this action.
5) Prepare for the interview
Of course, getting a job doesn’t just involve writing a great resume. You also need to pass at least one interview as well.
If you have been successful in receiving an invitation to interview for one of the jobs that you have applied for, you’ll need to do some further research. Spend some time searching for common interview questions and preparing answers for each of them. Ask a friend or family member to run through a practice interview with you so that you can be fully prepared for the real thing.
Practicing before the interview is vital to your success and it will give you all the confidence that you need to succeed.
