When you’re looking for a job, it can feel quite daunting knowing where to start and more importantly, how to make sure your hunt for work is successful! So we’ve compiled some great hints and tips to help you along and help you find a job.
Your CV
First things first, your CV, when was the last time you looked at your CV with a critical eye? I’m guessing that it’s been a while right? If you can, print out a copy of your CV and read through it like a potential employer, are there any spelling mistakes or missing punctuation? Is your last job listed on there clearly, showing what you achieved in your role, how you brought value to the company. Check all your latest qualifications and training are listed clearly on your CV, remember, employers love to see Continuing Professional Development.
If you have been working for a while, chances are you have a lot of information on your CV, sadly though, potential employers don’t have time to read through page after page after page of information on you. So you need to keep it short and sweet. We’d advise no more than two pages for a good CV that has plenty of information on you and what you can do.
Once you have updated your CV and you’re happy with it, pass it to a friend or family member and ask them to have a read through too. More often that not, a fresh pair of eyes will spot something that you might have missed.
Your Covering Letter
You’re covering letter is going to be the first thing that a potential employer sees, so you need to make sure it’s good, clear and relevant to the job you are applying for. So where you can, try and make sure you tailor your covering letter to suit the job you are applying for.
If the position doesn’t request a covering letter, it is still worthwhile taking the time to include one with your application. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to apply for the role properly, rather than just firing off your CV to as many different roles as you could find.
Where to look for Work
The internet is an invaluable source for jobs and openings in companies. You can use Google as a starting point to help you find some good employment websites such a Monster.com. On Monster, you’re able to search by area and industry, so you’re saved from scrolling through endless roles that are totally irrelevant to you.
Another great place is LinkedIn and Facebook, both have sections dedicated to jobhunting and again you can search by area and job type to ensure you’re only shown roles that are suitable for you to apply to.
Keeping Motivated
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how hard it can be trying to keep motivated when you’re jobhunting! But believe it or not, it’s super easy to keep yourself motivated if you go about things in the right way. The best piece of advice I was ever given was to treat my jobhunting like a job in itself!
So get up early, grab a shower and a coffee, then sit yourself down to start looking for work. Shortlist openings that you have found and then begin applying for them. Once you have completed a job application, cross it off your list and move to the next one. When it gets to lunch time, give yourself a break and get something to eat, then back to it. You will be surprised how much doing this helps you to keep on the right tracks and moving in the right direction.
Get Feedback on your Applications
This is actually quite a bit harder than you might think. Sadly, due to openings getting so many applicants, companies tend not to give feedback, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Sometimes, they will send through feedback, if they don’t, it can sometimes be worth following up on your application once you know you haven’t been successful and just asking them to take a moment to let you know why.
Once you have feedback, you can use this to help you to tailor your next application. Be sure to read through the feedback carefully and fully, try not to take it personally, as that’s not going to help anything. Use the information from them to ensure your next application ticks all the boxes and hopefully gets you that role you want and need.