The current job market is very competitive, with many roles receiving hundreds of applications. With this volume of applications to sort through, employers are only looking at those applicants who truly stand out from the crowd. If you’re unfamiliar with the local job market or can’t work out where you’re going wrong, it’s time to figure out how to get the edge over the competition. The following hints are designed to give you that much-needed boost.
Know Where To Look
Job search boards are an excellent resource for finding jobs to apply for, but they aren’t the only place to look. If there’s a specific industry you’re looking to enter, find out if there are dedicated search sites. Similarly, look at company websites directly for vacancies, as they may list jobs that don’t go on external sites.
Robust Resume
A robust yet flexible resume is essential for any job seeker. You want it to give potential employers a concise overview of your experience and strengths so they can quickly assess your suitability. Not tailoring a resume to each application hinders your chances as the information will be too general and the tone not right. Flexibility is vital as it allows the jobseeker to readily tailor the information to the application, and a resume builder is an ideal tool.
Networking
Getting your name and face known within relevant professional circles is a valuable way to get the jump over competitors. When people in positions to hire or make hiring recommendations are considering people for a post, they’ll look favorably at familiar names. Both in-person networking functions and social media are excellent ways to build and maintain a professional networking profile.
Interview Prep
Equally important as finding job opportunities to apply for is the interview. The interview stage is your chance to prove your worth in person and determine if the company is the right fit for you. Write up potential interview questions and answers, then practice answering them. Research the company and department the position is with and try to understand their ethos and standing within the community.
A helpful tip to remember when going into an interview is that it’s your chance to interview the company as much as they’re interviewing them. The role not being as described in the application, significantly less remuneration offered, or just a clash of personalities suggests this isn’t the proper role for you. Listen to your instinct if anything about the atmosphere or interview questions makes you feel uneasy.
Feedback
Requesting interview feedback allows a jobseeker to identify any areas of weakness during interviews. It may range from needing more experience with a particular system to focusing answers more clearly. A good interviewer will be happy to provide feedback if you miss out on a position at the interview stage despite everything going well.
Taking these hints on board will improve the focus of your job hunt and give you the edge over other applicants within the competitive job market.
