Are you considering a job change? Before you take the next step, it’s essential to educate yourself and prepare for the job market. Use our guide to get started before applying to potential employers.
Follow these essential steps for your new job search.
Ramp up your skills
Employers are always looking for candidates who can learn new skills and expand their capabilities. A willingness to learn is a key indicator of this potential, and according to a Harris Poll survey, it’s the most crucial attribute for companies.
So how can you demonstrate this willingness to grow and help boost your career opportunities when preparing for a new job? Focusing on new technology skills will have the most significant impact. As technology becomes more central to many industries, embracing new innovations as they emerge is essential to growth. Job seekers must also educate themselves on how new technologies will impact their chosen industry. This shows potential employers that you are familiar with current industry trends and relevant developments.
There is always room for improvement in the workplace, no matter how skilled you are. Sometimes it can be helpful to think about areas where you struggle or avoid certain tasks. This can give you a better understanding of the skills you need to work on.
Build your network
Your professional network is key to your career development. By getting involved and understanding the industry as a whole, you can open doors to your dream job. Whether through referrals or simply making the right contacts, your professional network is vital to your career development. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and make sure your personal brand attracts the kind of network you want to have.
Do not feel like your job search is a solo effort. Even though it may seem like it, there are likely people in your network who can help you. Whether it’s career advice or finding out about job openings, do not be afraid to use your contacts. It could make all the difference in your search!
Update and optimise your resume
It’s important to keep your resume up to date, even if you are not actively looking for a new job. This way, you can be sure that the content of your resume accurately reflects your current qualifications. In addition, you can update your resume with new accomplishments as you learn them, so you’ll be prepared for any opportunity that comes your way, no matter when it presents itself.
When designing your resume, highlight your key skills and make it easy for recruiters to understand what you have to offer a potential employer. It’s also helpful to back up your accomplishments with numbers and results whenever possible. These steps will increase your chances of standing out from the competition and landing your desired job.
When applying for a position, using the same keywords and terms the employer uses in the job posting is helpful. This way, your application will appear higher up in their filtering system. By referring to the words from the job ad, you can optimise your resume and increase the likelihood that the employer will see it.
Be ready to give up the office
In today’s job market, you must be willing to work from home on a part-time or full-time basis. As more companies move to hybrid workplaces or remote work entirely, staying flexible can help you take advantage of the opportunities that arise.
In light of this, creating a workspace in your home would be a safe bet. Away from distractions and with plenty of natural light, your home office will need a neutral background for video calls and a high-speed internet connection.
When applying for new jobs, let your potential employer know that you can work remotely. You can also include this information on your resume to attract recruiters explicitly looking for candidates open to remote work.
Enhance your interview skills
Preparing for an interview can be a stressful task. You want to make sure you present yourself as well as possible to increase the chance of getting hired. However, with so much at stake, it’s important to have a plan for the interview. This will help boost your confidence and communication skills while ensuring you make the best impression possible.
Virtual interviews are becoming increasingly popular with employers, especially in the early stages of the hiring process. Having to deal with unfamiliar technology will add to your stress so practice being in front of the camera and ensure your hardware is up to scratch. Figure out how to share a presentation well ahead of time and play around with the settings and controls to prevent fumbling during your interview.
Tips for students entering the job market
It’s never too early to start preparing for your future career. Gaining work experience while still studying can give you a great head start. It will help you build a strong resume and allow you to explore different industries and figure out which field is best for you.
Talk to your teachers and get their recommendations to bolster your application. And take advantage of career counselling services – they can help you identify opportunities and put you on the right path to your desired career. After you graduate, workshops and short courses will enhance your skills. Not only will this fill your time, but it will also make you more attractive to potential employers.
Do your interview skills need an upgrade?
No matter how much you prepare, there’s always a chance things could go wrong in an interview. Interview Skills can help you avoid potential disasters with our personalised, practical training programmes. We’ll give you detailed feedback so you can improve your interview skills and increase your chances of getting hired for your dream job. Contact us today to get started.