Getting a job can be tough, especially in the current job market. When you think about how to get a job, there are often things people simply forget or don’t deem as important. A lot of people are so desperate to get a job that they just send out applications blindly, to any job, anywhere.
However, if you take your time and think about your job search strategy, then you can greatly improve your chances of getting a job. We take a look at the top five tips to help you get a job.
Update Your Resume
The first thing you should be doing before your start applying for jobs is to make sure your CV is up to date. Check your contact details and ensure your most recent work history has been included. You would be surprised to learn how often people apply for jobs with resumes that are out of date and full of mistakes. There is no point applying for jobs with a CV that isn’t going to get you past the first stage.
A good resume will include your name, contact details, recent work history, education, training, key skills and any relevant additional information. You should tailor it to the job you are looking for, so try and include details that are of relevance to the job and industry you are applying for. Most people will only give a resume a quick scan because they have so many to read through, so make sure yours is easy to read and showcases your talents.
Develop a Job Search System
If you are applying for hundreds of jobs, chances are that you lose track of what you have applied for. If you manage to get a call back, then you might not even remember the company or job you have applied for and this will not impress the one making the hiring decisions.
When it comes to how to get a job, the best thing to do is to limit your applications to jobs you really want and have the relevant skills and experience for. Spend more time filling out the applications and keep a record of everything you have applied for. This will improve your chances of getting a job by improving the quality of your job applications.
Use Your Contacts
The first place most people will go to look for work is online. While many companies now use job sites and recruitment agencies to advertise their job vacancies, they may not publicize everything they have available. Because advertisement can cost a lot of money, some companies will only promote high volume recruitment or very specialist roles.
Ask friends, family and former co-workers if they know of any jobs going in the company they work for. Most large companies will have internal job listings, so it’s worth asking around. Getting a recommendation from a friend may not improve your chances of getting the job, but it could improve your chances of getting an interview. From there, it’s up to you to show them why you are the right candidate for the job.
Interview Preparation is Key
Having a good resume might be enough to get you to the next stage of the interview process, but it won’t be enough to land you the job. When it comes to interview preparation, there are a few key things you should be doing.
Firstly, make sure you have had a good read through the job description so you know exactly what is to be expected of you. You should also do some research on the company, so read through their website, find out some key facts and figures and have a good think about what makes you want to work there.
You should also prepare for some common interview questions. It’s worth asking what the interview will involve as some companies will actually give you quite a lot of information. If they say it will involve a competency based interview, then start thinking of possible questions and answers. They will likely go through your work history with you, so make sure you have memorized your CV.
Don’t Give Up
Looking for a job isn’t always easy; it tends to require a lot of hard work and determination. One of the most important aspects in how to get a job is to stay motivated and keep looking.
Just because you didn’t hear back from a job application doesn’t mean that you aren’t good enough to get employed. There is a lot of competition out there, but if you work hard and are well prepared, then you will get a job.
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