Let the Search begin
Following on from yesterday there is a point at which you are ready to start looking for a new job. Once you have decided on the important factors like location, hours of work, finance limits, and the function of the job that will keep you challenged longer term. It is time to apply this to job hunting and reaching out to your network.
Let the search begin – Set yourself up for success by initially making sure your CV is up to date, take the time to consider all of the skills, tasks and achievements from your last role, and how you can take these forward into a new position. Use keywords to be picked up by online algorithms, but also showcase your accomplishments, experience, and personality.
Your CV is not only about work experience but an overview of how your career has progressed and developed – it’s the opportunity to show how well rounded you are as a candidate.
Top Tips
- Your email address should create a professional impression. Some examples of ones not to use… [email protected] [email protected] they may have been fun at the time but can make the difference when being shortlisted!
- List your IT skills and any software you have used on your CV.
- Add a link to your online LinkedIn profile at the top with your email address.
Don’t apply for every job you see- the temptation can often be to apply for every job that you might be able to do. Focus on your parameters and apply for roles that are a good fit otherwise there is a danger that you will become disheartened very early in your search due to sheer numbers of applications and lack of response.
In this current climate there will be multiple applications for every job so your CV needs to be easy to read in a clear font so the potential employer can read it and is drawn in to continue. Do spell and grammar check it too and double check your contact details are clear and accurate.
Cover Letters – Tailor each letter to each role, templates can be handy, but it is important to personalise each letter with details about the role you are applying for. Using initiative and finding the hiring manager’s name can give a better first impression that ‘To whom it may concern’
Introduce yourself and match your skills specifically to the job you are applying for and match the essential skills and as many of the desirable skills as you can.
Don’t cut and paste your CV into your cover letter, the purpose is an introduction and to match your skills to the role.
Keep your cover letter short and let your CV tell the whole story.
Track your applications– Keep a detailed track of which roles you have applied for, the date, the contact etc and then chase for feedback. This will help you think clearly and ensure that you have control over your search.
Social Media– Create an online presence that is personal to you as most employers and
recruitment agencies today are using social media to source the right candidates. By
using social media sites in your job search you can increase the visibility of your professional
profile and be seen by the wider world.
Build a strong social media profile that catches the attention of recruiters. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to craft and display a professional profile that is frequently updated with information about your professional assets.
Top Tips-
- Ask customers or your old colleagues for endorsements to highlight that you are an expert in your field.
- Add video to your LinkedIn profile.
- Utilize sections on LinkedIn to highlight your achievements, especially if you have less work experience to leverage.
- Update your headline and photos to reflect your personal branding.
- Follow companies and individuals that are relevant to your job search and like and comment on any posts that are of interest.
Time Management– Spending all day at the computer searching and applying for jobs needs to be resisted. Discipline is key, you need to allocate time each day to the search and then focus on your well being both mentally and physically around this. You may want to allocate half days or whole days but ensure you schedule time out.
Use job alerts to have new roles that are advertised arrive to your email daily. This will save hours of searching each morning and that feeling of panic that you have missed a new job advert.
Set up alerts on the relevant job boards, LinkedIn and on any target companies that you want to work for.
The key is deciding on what you want, and then staying motivated and determined throughout your job hunt. Try to stay as focussed and as positive as you can. You got this.
This is a snapshot from Oyster Recruitment. Oyster offer Outplacement Redundancy Support and Recruitment Services 03333443034 [email protected]