Top Job Hunting Tips

Improve your chances of getting an interview by using these job hunting tips.

The labour market is becoming increasingly more competitive and job hunting more more of an art.

1. What do you really want to do?

The first step is to ask yourself “what do I really enjoy?” The answers to this basic and fundamental questionswill shape your job hunting. Once you recognise what you are good at the rest will fall into place easily.

2. What are your core skills?

Before you create your CV you need to define your proposition. Did you manage teams? How creative were you? Can you transfer these skills? How did you use these skills? What added value do these skills bring to a new employer? Core skills are not industry specific they are essential to the workplace and totally transferable.

3. Build your CV.

Your CV has one purpose and one purpose only and that is to achieve an interview for you. It is an essential tool for job hunting and you must ensure that it is not a tombstone type document. It should NOT be a chronological historical list of your previous employment. Your CV needs to be unique for every application and role you want to apply for. It needs to be tailored. Core skills need to be demonstrated, results need to be documented and your value proposition clearly headlined.

4. Focus on your achievements and be proud of your successes.

Remind yourself of your accomplishments and keep positive. Job hunting can become disheartening however by focusing on your core skills and the added value they can give, you can remain focused. Ask for testimonials and validation from colleagues, subordinates and clients.

5. Promote Yourself.

It is essential to have a credible on-line presence. One where you can be found by agencies and recruiters and one where you can show-case your core skills and achievements. A blog, facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter accounts are all social media sites that can be used for promoting yourself. It’s important to remember that you need to think through your own SEO and your image. Is it consistent and appropriate? Can employers find you? By using job boards you can discover many opportunities first-hand and by contributing to online discussions you can position yourself as a credible candidate.

6. Preparation is key.

Once you have secured the interview then the serious part of job hunting kicks in. Researching the prospective employer and the role on offer are only part of the process. You need to be fresh and confident in your core skills, the examples and stories you can tell that show-of your talents. Your value added proposition needs to be on the tip of your tongue so rehearse with friends and family to ensure you are fluent in your responses. Make sure you are committed to the role you are applying for. Your enthusiasm, interest and knowledge about the role will shine through.

7. Keep positive.

Being optimistic at all times shines through, being better prepared improves your job hunting chances. Keep your CV current, continually review it and improve it from feedback. Make sure that your online presence is up-to-date too. Learn from mistakes but keep persevering. Network, use contacts for guidance and suggestions as well as job leads. Being proactive will maintain your motivation and keep you focused on your job hunting outcomes.

8. Listen to others.

One of the best core skills is listening and acting on advice from others is another fundamental tip that will improve your job hunting chances.

 Job hunting is a job in itself. Good luck

photo credit: Emilie Ogez via photopin cc