Successful job hunting requires using a number of certain techniques to ensure you stand out to potential employers. Job hunting involves more than simply searching for open positions and sending your CV to employers. You also need to ensure you are the right fit for the role and that you can catch the hiring managers attention. In this article, we will provide you with some job-hunting tips so you can get the job you want.
1. Be Aware of Your Career Goals
The first thing to do is to identify what kind of career you want. This is extremely important for people entering the workforce for the first time or changing careers. You should get recommendations from your lecturers, a career coach and former co-workers. Ensure you have a realistic and clear goal. You also plan how to reach this goal and note what qualifies you for the career path. These steps can be hugely helpful in narrowing your job search to the positions you are passionate about and will help you advance professionally.
2. Plan Ahead of Time
You should organise yourself and your schedule so that you can search for jobs more efficiently. You should determine how many hours per day and what days of the week you will dedicate to networking and job hunting. You should also ensure that your CV and cover letter is up to date at this stage. You should arrange a list of two to three references also so that you have their contact information ready for employers. You should also create or update your profiles on professional networking websites. It may also be a good idea to set up a professional email account to keep your job search messages separate and organised from your personal ones.
3. Write a Good CV & Cover Letter
Your CV and cover letter are very important when applying for jobs. Ask a friend, family member, co-worker, career counsellor or other professional to proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors as well as to offer advice. Some job seekers may even decide to work with a professional CV writing service or resource to save time and enhance their cover letter and CV.
4. Use All Job Search Resources Available to You
Rather than limiting yourself to just manual online searches, take advantage of all job search options. This may include reaching out to companies or hiring managers in person, attending career fairs, searching social manager or utilising a career counselling service. Also, ensure you use job search engines to find openings on job boards, company websites, professional associations and much more. In addition, sign up for daily or weekly job alerts that will be sent to your email.
5. Adapt Your CV to Each Job You Apply For
You should adapt your CV to each job you are applying for. Ensure you study the job description to determine why you are a good fit. Then, add your experience, achievements and skills that are relevant to that position. Hiring managers who look through many CVs should be able to read yours and quickly know you have the skills for the position.
6. Research the Hiring Companies Before Applying
As you find job listing that spark your interest, research the hiring companies before you click apply. This can give you additional information about their company culture, salary range and benefits, work environment and their products and services. Your research will inform you as to whether you want to or are qualified to work for that company. In addition, it provides you with valuable information you can reference in your cover letter or interview.
7. Apply for Jobs with Confidence
You should apply to jobs you are interested in even if you only meet a few of their requirements. Depending on the position, hiring managers may hire motivated individuals who learn quickly and provide them with skills training on the job. If you meet some of a job’s qualifications but believe you can still succeed in that role, apply. Ensure you include examples of your work ethic and your ability and interest to learn new skills on your CV.
8. Network Regularly
Ensure you are interacting with people and develop professional contacts both in person and online. Begin conversations with people at social events, seminars, summits and much more. Let them know that you are on the hunt for a job or that you want to work in a particular industry. They may have connections or advice that can help you in your job search. You may also find unlisted job openings or people may recommend you for future job opportunities.
9. Prepare for Interviews
Research the most common interview questions, create answers for them and practice them before you get invited to an interview. Ask a friend to do a mock interview with you. If you are well-prepared, you will be much more confident and comfortable when you go to your next interview.
10. Expand Your Skills
If you are just entering the workforce or beginning a new career, you may require more training or experience to land a job. You should consider applying for an internship or volunteering with an organisation in your desired industry while applying for jobs. You should use these opportunities to expand your network of contacts and advance to a full-time paid position. You can also do this by taking online courses and attending workshops to build certain skills or learn technologies and processes relevant to your industry. Remember to update your CV as you gain more experience or accomplishments.
