Published: 29 November 2020

Job Searching can be a very time-consuming process. The days of simply drafting a well-written Cover letter to accompany a chronologically crafted CV and getting an invite to interview immediately are gone. These days there is so much more to consider, we take a look at here at some of the top tips for searching for a new role in the modern era

#1 Always Bespoke your CV

Taking time to Bespoke your CV (Pun intended) for each application is critical to increasing your chance of securing an interview. In today’s job market, many adverts receive around 100 -200 applicants. With such high volumes of applications, it's no wonder many clients/recruiters opt to engage technology such as an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen your CV. An ATS works in the same way a search engine does. It automatically scans your CV for keywords, titles and terminology that matches the attributes/skills contained within their recruitment brief. Ranking your application based upon the frequency of those keywords and supporting the decision to invite to interview.

Ensuring you have tailored your CV to each specific client spec can ultimately be the difference between being in the "Yes" or "No" pile. Even in cases where an ATS isn’t adopted, any human eye reviewing such volumes will most likely conduct a similar “Quick Scan” method to review your application. Don’t leave it to chance, always tailor each application.

#2 Time to take your Job Search Social

 Being social is great but having a strong social presence is completely different. The importance of having a strong online social presence should not be underestimated.
Statistics show that 90% of recruiters will use LinkedIn as their primary tool to search for new candidates. If you are looking to get hired, you not only need to ensure you are using it but that your profile goes that extra mile to showcase your talents. Setting up a strong social presence helps showcase your skills, attributes, interests and passions is vital to ensuring you stand out from the crowd. In today's recruitment market it's considered a "must-have" to reach the right audience and have the maximum impact. Here's a link to a guide I've written as to how to get some of the key basics set up correctly on LinkedIn.]https://lnkd.in/dcxQZdA

#3 Connect and build your network

Applying to advertised jobs should always be a part of your job search strategy. However, you shouldn’t use this approach in isolation. Building a strong online network of connections can go along way towards helping you land that dream role.Advertising roles on job boards are rarely the first move a recruiter makes when searching for new talent. 90% of us turn to our network first, getting known in these networks should be a priority. Extending your network to previous line managers and asking for recommendations can help to build a recruiter’s confidence to want to engage with you too. Many hiring managers turn to their social networks ahead of opting for a more traditional advertising route for recruitment too. Your network can be a great source for understanding what sort of roles are available, what’s happening in your industry and ultimately help you be more strategic in your job search. Once you are confident you have the right people in your network you may even take it a step further and use that network to send speculative enquiries to aspirational employers. Here are a few tips from LinkedIn on how to build your network.

 

It’s time to make your Net-work !

#4 Don’t “Find time”, make time

You know what type of role you want, you may even have specific companies or sectors in mind. Now just find time for your search and off you go. Whoa there…back up a little. You shouldn’t be just “finding time” for a search, you need to ensure you “make time” for it. Adopting a haphazard approach will be only lead to an ineffective job search. Structure and discipline are what's required, without these your search is at risk of becoming a full-time job itself. Sit down and plan how many hours a day/week you are going to spend on your search/networking and stick to it. Use the “Job Alert” options offered by job sites, set yourself up for their email alerts and save yourself hours sifting through irrelevant job adverts.

Set yourself up with a dedicated email address that you use exclusively for job applications. Knowing your inbox will only fill up with job-related content can save hours scrolling through irrelevant distractions. I know it's hard to remain focused when the "50% off your favourite wine" email pops into your inbox and before you know it, your clicking through to their website to see if they deliver. When it comes to your job search...

Make time, stay disciplined and don’t let your job search consume you.

#5 The Follow up call

When you send a CV application, do you make a follow-up call? No? sadly you are in the majority there, I can usually count on one hand how many people do. Sounds crazy doesn’t it, you wouldn’t apply for a loan with a bank and not follow it up if you didn’t hear anything. A quick call to chase the recruiter demonstrates a positive, proactive approach, it’s often those that do that are remembered most. If you have registered your interest with recruitment agencies it’s just as important to adopt the same approach too. No doubt the thought that some of us also never bother returning your call is running through your head right now. I can’t speak for others but I always endeavour to return all calls at the earliest possible time, the least you should expect is the courtesy of a return call.

It's worth noting that we don’t always advertise every role. Part of the role of a Recruitment professional includes being able to know which clients are planning recruitment ahead of their roles going live. Keeping us informed of your availability allows us to take a more proactive approach and approach our clients with an approach such as, “Morning, I appreciate the last time we spoke you mentioned you may have a need for an Assistant Accountant shortly. Well, I’ve just taken a call from a very good candidate I have known for some time who I believe would fit the profile we discussed.”... The next thing you know, you have an interview booked to go and meet that client.

 

Keep in touch with us, the rewards can be high!

#6 The “Thank you” note

If you read most “Interview tips” they will advise that before you leave any interview you should always offer your thanks to the interviewer, standard practice, Yes?. Why not take this one step further and craft a “Thank You” note your interviewers. I’m not suggesting for one minute you reach for the parchment, dip the quill and hand-write a calligraphic letter of thanks (although, come to think of it…..). But a professionally composed email of thanks, tailored in a thoughtful and non-robotic fashion may just nudge you ahead of the competition.

Picture the scene -  You’ve just left an interview that seemed to go very well, you walked out of there leaving a very positive impression on your potential new employers. They return to their desks thinking what a great impression you left and just how well matched your experience is to their need. However, they felt equally as positive about the person they interviewed just before you. 30 minutes later, a professionally crafted letter of appreciation lands in their inbox from you.  Boom, guess what…you’ve suddenly jumped ahead of your competitor into being their 1st choice candidate.

Trust me, I have personally witnessed this type of action yielding a very positive result for candidates in the past. In a very competitive market…it’s the little things that can make the biggest impact. Give it a try the next time you attend an interview, what have you got to lose?

If you wish to discuss any matter regarding enhancing your Job Search, please do not hesitate to contact me here