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 clients to focus on during their job search.

› The first is to start with the basics. What are you good at? What skills do you have? Are there jobs you really enjoy doing? Though these questions may seem very basic, they are the foundation for every other tip we have to offer.

› Second, define your skills. Are you a great leader? A great creator? A great administrator? How have you used these skills in previous jobs? How will your skills add value to your future employer? These questions allow you to develop your strategy for creating a great CV and having a succesful interview.

› Third, build a great CV. A CV should not be just a list of past jobs or an autobiography of yourself. Your CV should be relevant to the job you’re applying for. This means you may need to have multiple CV’s for the various jobs you hope to get. Make sure your CV highlights your skills, demonstrates how you will add value to the employer, and don’t ever be afraid to seek advice on building a great CV

› Fourth, focus on the positives. Job hunting can be discouraging, and this is where most people give up. Keep in the forefront of your mind your major career accomplishments, the outcomes of those accomplishments, and any challenges you overcame. Keeping focused on your “wins” in your career will help keep you motivated.

› Fifth, build an online presence. Get your resume on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing, and more. Let your friends and family know you are seeking a job and share your skills with them. Not all employers post their openings, but a friend who works at the company you want to work at may know of something and has influence with the hiring manager.

› Sixth, preparation is key. Before you step into an interview, go over your CV and remind yourself of your skills, your benefits to the employer, and your previous accomplishments. Research the employer and the job you’re applying for. Have mock interviews with friends and family. Try to anticipate questions that may be asked and be prepared to go into detail with your answers. An unprepared job seeker almost never gets a call back

› Seventh, maintain a positive mental attitude. Stay focused on finding new job opportunities. Review and refine your CV often. Be proactive, make contacts, and take risks. Dream jobs don’t come easily; you should be prepared to work hard for them. And finally, listen to others. Be prepared to take advice without offence. Someone may see an area you can improve that completely missed your sight.

The people who get hired are the people who are diligent during the job search. With diligence on your part, you can succeed and your chances of finding the perfect job will increase.

Peter Forshaw, Managing Director, Maxwell Stephens