
Are you on the hunt for a job? Whether you’re looking for your first position or fancy a change from your current role, you might well find yourself in a competitive market. Job vacancies recently hit a record high in the UK – but temporary positions made up a bulk of that increase. So in a period of extreme economic uncertainty, how do you stand out from other candidates and land the job you want?
We’ve rounded up five effective ways to make an impact on recruiters and employers below.
Get relevant work experience
Getting work experience might seem easier said than done – but few factors give employers more confidence than seeing you’ve worked in a similar position or company.
If you’re applying for your first job, then industry work experience and internships are invaluable – even if they’re not in the specific role you want to hold long term. Or if you’re eyeing up a move, take every opportunity while you can to collect relevant experience that you could talk about in an interview.
Enhance your knowledge
Can you demonstrate a proactive drive for self-development? Investing personal time in training and progression, on top of any qualifications gained in formal education, will give you an edge over others who are less passionate.
You could learn a new language if planning to work with international clients, for example. Or if you’re hoping to get into digital marketing or product development, why not teach yourself to code with an Arduino board or another similar platform?
You could learn a new language if planning to work with international clients, for example. Or if you’re hoping to get into digital marketing or product development, why not teach yourself to code with an Arduino board or another similar platform?
Work on soft skills
For many employers, cultural fit is almost as important as technical skills and knowledge. Soft skills like communication, creativity and leadership can take you a long way, so brush up on the traits and habits that will offer the most value in your chosen role.
You could ask friends, family, colleagues or even tutors for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. The ability to listen and respond to feedback is another soft skill you’ll develop in the process!
Network extensively
It’s often said that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. While that cliché oversimplifies the job-hunting process, it’s true that networking can be crucial in helping you find career opportunities.
It’s predicted that global LinkedIn users will total over 839 million this year, so it makes sense to set up a profile if you haven’t already. As well as interacting with relevant users, aim to attend industry events and spark productive conversations.
Customise your applications
In a competitive market, employers may have to filter through hundreds of applications for any open role. It’s crucial then to customise your CV and emphasise the kind of experience and skills they specifically ask for in their job advert.
Depending on your chosen profession, it could be smart to create a portfolio to show off examples of your work too. You could take things a step further by including one or two bespoke ideas for the business you’re applying for.
Do you feel ready to put yourself out there? If you nail down the areas discussed above, you’ll put yourself in a strong position for any opportunities that come your way.