Looking for a new job can prove to be an exhausting and bumpy road to travel. However, embracing the journey may lead to self-discovery and personal growth. Resilience plays a central role in this journey, as it may take several months and some rejection, until you find the right job. To add to this, you’re also going head to head with other hopefuls who want the job just as badly as you do.
As recruitment specialists, we can assure that differentiating yourself from the sea of other job applicants, a.k.a. your competition, will result in a shorter job hunt, so it’s worth taking heed of these tips to secure your dream job in the quickest time possible.
First impressions count. You’re not aiming for red carpet glamour but you should ensure that your clothes are appropriate, clean and pressed, your hair is neat, your finger nails scrubbed, your breath fresh and your shoes polished. Your efforts to look your best will be remembered and a disheveled appearance won’t be forgotten.
Everyone’s opinion matters, from the receptionist, the hiring manager and hopefully your future boss. Everyone you come into contact with will form an opinion about you and smart employers will listen to their staff’s impressions of you. Make sure you make people feel good after interacting with them.
Furthermore, consider spring-cleaning your social media as prospective employers frequently turn to Google to discover more about you. You might also want to make sure that some past employers and/or colleagues are happy to act as references for your character and work ethic.
Be yourself. You’re not the only one with a degree and well-honed skills in your area of expertise, but your personality is unique. Make sure it shines through during meetings and that interviewers are left with a lasting, genuine impression of your personality.
Be prepared. This doesn’t mean rehearsing answers robotically. Rather, it means anticipating the types of questions that may be asked during the interview and thinking about how you should truthfully answer them. Make sure you know some of the company’s background and some up to date knowledge of the industry. Fully understand the job description and give your interviewers concrete examples from past jobs that clearly demonstrate why you are the most capable person for the role. Last but not least, think of a couple of relevant questions concerning the company or role to ask the interviewer towards the end of the meeting.
Keep yourself occupied, especially if you aren’t working during your job hunt. Consider volunteering at a local charity or temping until you find the job you’re looking for. This will help keep you motivated and positive during your job search whilst still applying and developing your professional skills.
Get feedback. You’ve done your best but haven’t been successful yet? Ask for feedback from interviewers and recruiters. Listen with an open mind and work on areas that need some fine- tuning.
Develop an attitude of resilience. Your competition isn’t giving up on finding their dream job and neither should you. Focus on your ambitions and maintain your momentum until you reach your goals.
See also:
A Jobseeker's Social Media Guide