Tips and Tricks to Improve your Job Search

PLAN

• As with any endeavour you need a solid game plan to conquer the job market in 2021, a one size fits all approach may seem easier but its not the most effective way of landing your dream job. Instead of throwing your resume at every job post as seeing what sticks , plan in advance.
• Create a list of employers you want to work for and then find out everything you can about them. Use these details to engage with your target employers. 
• Identify and partner with a select group of recruiters who take the time to understand what you can offer a prospective employer and provide you with advice and support throughout your search. 

BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

• Branding is not just a business concept, but a professional one as well. One of the key principles of the Law of Attraction is, “You attract what you are.” Whether or not one agrees with this framework, the idea itself makes a lot of sense.
• Having an active presence on the world’s largest professional network is essential. Whilst a professional appearance is paramount, how you engage with others is even more essential. Identify your target audience and get active to build your connections and your brand. This can be done by writing blogs, sharing articles, commenting on posts (all of course should be undertaken with the aim of engaging with your target audience) 
• Employers are definitely watching, so keep your social media conduct in mind at all times.

YOUR RESUME 

• No matter how skilled you are or how well you market yourself, you won’t make any progress on your job search if your resume is less than first-class. The document should be well laid out and easy to read. It should be a breeze for recruiters and hiring managers to find the information they’re looking for when they scan your resume. Keep your resume clean and readable with bullet-pointed lists. Ensure there is white space between each section, use a clear and simple font, and utilise bold text for subheadings and key information.
• You should also ensure the most relevant and impactful information appears in the top third of the first page of your resume, as this is what recruiters will read first. Don’t forget to tailor your resume to each company and role you apply to. Finally, finish by triple-checking your spelling and grammar.

THE INTERVIEW

• Practice and be well prepared for the role that you are interviewing for. Focus on being able to succinctly articulate who you are, what you do best, and how you can add value for a potential employer. 
• Be prepared to also honestly talk through questions that you may not necessarily feel demonstrate your strengths – I often ask candidates to tell me about a time when everything has gone wrong and what I am looking for their answer to demonstrate is that they value accountability, that they don’t make excuses when things go wrong. People who are willing to own it in life and work will go the extra mile; they’ll step up to help their entire team succeed.

• Your job market viability is not determined only by your background and your efforts, but also by your mindset. If you are in a negative mindset and are discouraged with your job search efforts this can play out in interviews or interactions with prospective employers. Whilst there is no denying that it can be difficult and challenging finding a new role, try not to be discouraged and keep positive – this means different things for different people – perhaps watching inspirational videos or reading uplifting content that supports your long term goals.