If you’re looking for a job, it’s important to apply some smart techniques, rather than aimlessly mailing CVs to random companies. Every other person you know is probably seeking a job, so how would you set yourself apart?
Well, we have a few tips and tricks that might help you sail your boat faster. Whether you’re aspiring for your first big break in the corporate world, or you’re planning to change directions in your career, these tips will come in handy for everyone.
Here are 5 vital job search tips no one tells you about.
1.Leverage the Power of Social Media
In today’s date, social media is the most potent tool for you to leverage. Make optimum use of professional social media sites to network with relevant people in your field you would love to work with and gain valuable insights.
Don’t shy away from sharing your expertise, views, and experiences with your social media connections. Why, you’re asking? Because you never know who is silently watching you and considering you for a future role in their firm.
When you have a powerful personal brand built on professional platforms, you would automatically have an upper hand in job interviews. Many companies post about their recruitment drives on these platforms, so you can directly reach out to them.
2. Choose A Mentor
If you wish to stay ahead in the game, there is no alternative to the right guidance. Find a mentor, be it online, or someone you already know from your circle. Communicate with them to know more about which kind of job would suit you the best, and what are the skills required to fit that role.
Having a mentor will save you months or even years of trial-and-error, as you will have the privilege to learn valuable lessons from their experience. A mentor is needed not to spoon-feed you, rather help you navigate the right path in your career.
If you’re not 100% sure about the field you would like to work on, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from multiple experts from different fields. After communicating with the leaders, you will have a better understanding of the job market, and you will be equipped with all that you need to bag that dream role.
3. Say Yes to Opportunities
It could be an internship, an event, or a seminar – if you come across an opportunity, always embrace it with open arms. This applies to you especially if you’re young, and still looking for the right direction to start off your career.
You may not land a job overnight after attending one seminar, but the discussions will broaden your horizon, and open new avenues for you to explore. Internships, for example, can be a trial run for a job you aspire to take. You gain experience and exposure, and if you feel comfortable in that field, you can seek further opportunities there.
Wherever there is an opportunity to meet new people, make the most of it. Show genuine interest in their businesses, ask intelligent questions, and you might come across a job opportunity that not a lot of people know about.
4. Conduct Background Research
When you’re looking for a job, conduct research on the companies you will be interested to apply to. Try to find out their hiring process, the skills and experience they are looking for, and train yourself accordingly.
Nowadays, you will find the open positions of any leading company on their official website. Learn to speak with confidence, hone your skills to match their requirements, and think about how you can add value to that company. Once you figure this out, you are one step ahead towards your dream job.
5. Make Your CV Stand Out
Everywhere you go, you will be asked for a CV. Now, the recruiter will receive hundreds of these. The key is to tweak your CV according to the job you’re applying to. So basically, you’re not sending the same CV to every company. Rather, you’re making little yet effective changes to them before reaching out to different companies.
Why is this important? Because not all companies are the same. Your cover letter should reflect the fact that you have conducted ample research on the company and the role. So instead of a generic cover letter and CV, customize it for more impact.
Final Thoughts
When you’re searching for a job, you have to go the extra mile to stay ahead of the crowd. Besides following these tips, you must be dedicated and consistent in your efforts to achieve that job you have been dreaming about. The job market may seem to be oversaturated today, but with the right amount of preparation, determination, and a positive mindset, you can bag the role. Keep your spirits high, and work smart!