Sometimes searching for a new job can seem like a total minefield. You can find yourself jumping through hoops from the first application through to the interview, just to be knocked back if things don’t go your way.
The job market is increasingly competitive, especially for the careers that seem more attractive to young new graduates. To stand out from the crowd you need to increase your ‘employability’ – making yourself look like a more attractive asset to companies.
Here are five ways to do just that:
Keep gaining experience
The main thing that interviewers and HR departments are looking for when you apply for a job is proof that you can actually DO what you’re saying you can, and that you have the right experience to apply to the position that’s available. The best thing that you can do is to always be gaining new experience in the field that you want to get into, whether that be through volunteer work in your spare time, writing a blog if it’s a writing position, or applying for internships or work experience placements. Always looking for opportunities to gain more experience in your chosen field shows your potential employer that you are proactive and willing to go above and beyond for your career while adding new things to your CV to keep it fresh.
Stay positive
Job-hunting can get you down after a while and can seem disheartening, but the sooner you learn to pick yourself up quickly and move on to the next opportunity the better. Don’t take application rejections to heart, just see it as a learning curve and an opportunity to receive feedback directly from the employer on why you weren’t suitable for the position. Positive things happen to positive people, so stay optimistic throughout your search and it will shine through in your application. When you make it through to interview stage, let that positivity come across with your enthusiasm for the job and you’ll really stand out from the crowd.
Learn a new skill
Keep learning new skills and building on your hobbies and interests, as these can always be added onto your CV to help you stand out from the crowd. Not only does it give your interviewer something to chat about with you at interview stage, but it also gives you experiences that you can learn from and apply that knowledge to answering questions to do with the position. It also shows that you’re a well-rounded individual with passions and interests – proving that you would be a valuable, motivated asset for the company you choose to work for.
Practice interview techniques
Practice makes perfect, so you should spend plenty of time perfecting your interview techniques and have answers for tricky questions in mind ready to pull out when necessary. The more comfortable you feel answering questions about your work ethic, the more likely it’ll be you’ll get the job!
Be flexible
By staying flexible with working locations you’ll be opening yourself up to new unmissable opportunities. Found the perfect job, but you have to travel to it? Don’t let that hold you back – show your commitment by using your notice period to learn to drive! Your theory test can be passed pretty swiftly by using Top Tests’ free online resources and short practical courses are available with Intensive Courses to get you up and running on the roads. Many jobs explicitly require a driving licence and even those that don’t will appreciate being able to call on an employee that isn’t reliant on public transport. Also be flexible by being open to slightly different jobs to those you’ve done before, ensuring that you don’t close the door on a good opportunity.