Finding a job in the current economy is more challenging than ever. If you’re going to get an advantage as a job seeker, it is important to have the right strategy, and at Maxwell Stephens, we’re here to help you get your CV to the top of the stack.
If you’re looking to improve your chances of getting an interview, there are eight key steps we advise our candidates to focus on during their job search.
It’s pointless to jump straight in with all the odd little nuances that set you apart without first letting the employer know you’ve got the basics down. They want to know what you can actually do first, not just how great you’ll be to work with.
What are you good at? What skills do you have? Are there certain aspects of the job you know you really enjoy doing? They may seem a little blunt and general to set you apart from everyone else, but answering these questions sets the foundations for the rest of your CV and what follows it.
A list of what is great about you won’t cut it. So, you say you’re a great leader, but have you got the evidence to back it up? Do you need that if you’ll be working alone in the job? It’s an embarrassingly common for recruiters to see people lie on their CVs, and to include a mass of clichés and lines every Tom, Dick and Harry uses on their CVs.
Ask yourself what skills you genuinely have and how could add value to your future role and employer. This will allow you to develop your strategy for creating the perfect CV and for having an extremely successful interview.
This isn’t the launch of your long-awaited biography, nor should it just be a scrawled list of past workplaces. And your CV should never be used as a “one-size-fits-all” document. It must be tailored to each individual job you apply for.
That may mean having several templates for the various jobs you hope to get, depending on their industry or level, with the content relevant to each application. Look at the personal specification and criteria of the role. The CV you send should highlight the skills they’re looking for and demonstrate how you will add value to that employer.
Don’t be afraid to seek advice on building your CV. It is a vital part of the process, and professional recruiters understand how important it is that you get it right.
Job hunting can be disheartening. We’ve all got our hopes up about a position to not get the interview after all. It can be extremely discouraging and is where most people give up. In those situations, it’s important to tell yourself that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be and figure out what to do differently next time around.
Keep your major career accomplishments in mind – the outcomes of your successes and any challenges you overcame. Focusing on your ‘wins’ can help to keep you motivated. When the right role in the right company comes around, they’ll see your accomplishments.
Social media has its own side hustle. Get your resume of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing and any other sites you can think of. We’ll let you in on an industry secret…
Everyone is online. Big decision-makers at the top companies may just stumble upon your beautifully crafted CV and feel compelled to get in touch.
Alternatively, you could use social media to let friends and family know you’re on the hunt, and share your skills and experience with them. Not all employers advertise their openings but someone you know might’ve heard about a vacancy and have enough influence with the hiring manager to have them review your CV.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Consider this your time to start sharpening up. Prior to your interview, you should go over your CV thoroughly. Remind yourself of your key skills, the benefits you can offer your employer, and your previous accomplishments.
Research the employer and the role, and make yourself aware of any news or changes within the company to let them know you’re genuinely interested.
Prepare examples to back your statements up with so you’re not caught off guard – they will ask!
Anticipating questions they may pose and practicing your answers in mock interviews with family or friends will help you feel more confident. Unprepared interviewees almost never get a call back, so make sure you do your homework.
Stay focused on finding new opportunities that excite you. Dream jobs don’t come easy. You have to work hard for them.
Refine your CV often to make sure you’re happy with it. Get yourself out there; be proactive, make new contacts, and take risks. And make sure you listen to constructive criticism and advice. Other people may see things you’ve missed and you can’t let pride get in the way of perfection.
The people who get hired into their dream job are the ones who were diligent in their job search. Stick with it, and leave no stone unturned until you find what you’re looking for. If you genuinely apply yourself to your job hunt, the chances of you finding the perfect job will increase dramatically.
Looking for more expert advice on how to to get that all-important job? Download our FREE eBook below.
I’ve Got the Job! – Expert Advice for Interviews
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