With 2018 now in full swing there’s no time like the present to get your career moving. So here are a few of our top tips to get your job hunting off to a flying start this January.
1. Review.
Take some time at the beginning of the year to review your efforts (or lack thereof!) from last year. What stopped you from getting the jobs you applied for? Make a list, and make improvements. If you don’t know then make sure in future you’re asking recruiters or companies for feedback so you can make the necessary adjustments.
2. Research.
It almost goes without saying, but you’ve got to know what you want, and what’s out there. Get on job boards, career websites and sites like LinkedIn and make the most of your current network. Ask family and friends if they know of any openings coming up that would suit you. Look at what the trends in the market for 2016 might be and where your exciting skills might fit.
3. Refine.
Refine your skills to meet market demand. We’re seeing that more and more companies are looking for individuals who are flexible, willing to learn and multi-skilled. You might dream of being a Copywriter or Digital Marketer, but have you got any experience of Content Management Systems or basic coding? They may not be needed for every single job, but they’re relevant skills that might just make you stand out. Try your hand at new skills that will add to your existing expertise, and don’t be afraid to do evening classes or online courses – these show great initiative!
4. Revise.
It’s probably time for a bit of a social media clean. How is your online identity? Hopefully, your social media feeds aren’t plagued with drunken Christmas photos, if they are it could very well be a big turn off for many potential employers. Clean up your social sites and make sure the image you’re showing is what you would display to your boss in the office on a Monday morning. And what about that old LinkedIn profile you haven’t touched since second year of uni? Spend some time getting it updated with all your achievements, skills and experience.
5. Re-write.
Take a focused and targeted approach to your applications. Don’t send out blanket CVs to endless employers, but instead target specific roles or companies with tailored applications. It might seem like more work to re-write your CV and cover letter every single time, but we can pretty much guarantee you’ll need to submit fewer applications if you do because you’ll be telling employers how you fit their exact job opening.
6 Record.
If you’re applying for multiple jobs it’s easy to lose track of what you said in each application form, or what CV and cover letter you submitted, or even which job you applied for! So be sure to keep a record of each job and each application you do. That way when you get invited to interview you have, not only your application to hand, but also the initial job advert so that you can come prepared with your A-game.
Make 2018 the year where you get your dream career with these simple CV and job-hunting tips and an Adopt an Intern internship.
