7 Tips for Finding a New Job

For some, the thought of finding a job can be quite overwhelming and can trigger some insecurities – am I good enough? Will I be happy in my new job?  Will it look bad if I leave a new job? Finding a job is of course a lot easier than finding a job you love, so it’s about getting the right match and maximising compatibility.  Consider a bit like dating – you don’t want to waste time fishing in the wrong pond!

Adjust your CV

If you’re concerned that tweaking your CV is the same as falsifying information about yourself, think again. As long as the details in your CV are accurate there is nothing wrong with tailoring it to suit the position you are applying for. Different jobs require different skills, so it’s about highlighting the skills match you have to that position, by making them stand out more. This might mean re-ordering or restructuring the information so that’s it’s easier to identify.

If you are applying for a few different jobs, look at what each one requires in terms of experience and have different versions of your CV for different jobs.

Get on LinkedIn

If you aren’t using LinkedIn, it’s well worth setting up a profile. LinkedIn is the leading social network for professionals with 90 million senior level influencers and 63 million users in decision-making positions. 40 million students and recent college graduates also use LinkedIn.

LinkedIn enables you to connect with other professionals within a specific industry or at a particular company, so you can widen your network and increase your chances of meeting key people. It also has great functionality for job hunting and applying for jobs. Get a profile up and start connecting. Your information is essentially an online version of your CV.

If you are a LinkedIn user, make sure your profile is up to date with your experience and places of work. If you can get a testimonial from a previous employer, it’s the equivalent of a reference.

Increase the odds

Finding your dream job is a numbers game. The more research you do and more applications you submit, the more chance you will have of landing an interview. As the old saying goes, if you cast enough nets you will eventually catch a fish.

If you have time on your hands, set up some job alerts over the coming months to notify you of the positions that you are suited to. If you need to find a job in a more-timely manner, don’t be afraid to widen your search criteria. If you have capped your search at 20 miles away and your dream job exists 22 miles away, you have missed out. Keep your research open and then whittle them down from there.

Vary your searches

Different employers advertise for jobs in different ways. Some only advertise on their own sites and LinkedIn. Some use specific job sites and some may pay for advertising on Google. If you limit your search to one particular medium, you could be missing out on what’s available out there.

When job hunting, vary your searches across different platforms and make a list. Look in the local papers, find out your local job sites and register, get in touch with reputable agencies and look on LinkedIn. Leave no stone unturned – just ensure you don’t double up and apply for the same job twice.

Pick up the phone

Granted we live in a digital world where everything can be done electronically – shortlisting jobs, applying, even virtual interviews over FaceTime, but we shouldn’t discount the traditional ways of job-hunting. Even in a digital age there is huge value in picking up the phone and having a conversation with someone. Sometimes this is what makes you stand out from other candidates.

A phone call gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality. It also enables you to get a sense of what their staff are like. It’s about getting the balance right and not being too persistent.

Interview the company

When you go for a job interview, it’s a two-way thing. A potential employer is looking to find out how suitable you are for the position. However, you are also there to assess if they as an employer are suited to your lifestyle. You need to be happy just as they need to be happy so interview your potential employer.

When being interviewed, allow them to lead the interview but when presented with the opportunity to ask questions, find out what sort of office culture they have, ascertain if they require you to work additional hours or at different locations. Do you they offer company benefits, are they flexible with regards to working from home? Don’t be demanding but do ascertain how they take care of their staff.

Don’t take things personal

If you don’t get the job, it can be a knock back and can leave you feeling dejected. It’s important to understand that it’s more likely to do with the fact the job had a high level of applicants, one of which had a better fit in terms of skills. It doesn’t mean that you are not worthy and should give up.

If you aren’t successful after an interview, pick yourself back up, dust yourself off and accept that this one wasn’t mean to be. Ask for feedback – feedback helps you to understand any gaps in your skills or even if your interview capabilities that you can then work on and improve.

So, there we have it, 7 tips for finding your dream job. Of course if you need any additional advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Simpson Dean on [email protected] or by calling 020 7082 8100.

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