As expectations in the workplace become more demanding and more students acquire higher education, job seekers are being faced with an even higher set of expectations, making job hunting a rigorous process. Although there are tools that make it easier to find a job, a profession you’re passionate about and is aligned with your education and expertise can sometimes be tricky to find.
On the other hand, modern jobseekers (i.e. Millennials) are starting to realise that the perfect job is not just determined with the size of the pay check – factors such as self-fulfilment and career growth are being taken into consideration. As the criteria for both job seekers and potential employers become more challenging, we list down a series of tips to help modern jobseekers find the right job where they can flourish and thrive.
Find the right opportunities and get noticed
When searching for a job, you should remember that opportunities can get very slim. In fact, while figures widely vary, an average of 250 CVs are reviewed per job posting, with only a handful being considered for an interview. This is why it’s very important to stand out from the rest and make a positive first impression with the information your possible employer will see about you.
Understand the job board you are using
Job seekers should familiarise themselves with the job portal website they are using. Some job posting sites accept resume uploads, while others require users to fill out forms and input career-related information. When uploading a resume, ensure that the file type and size is supported by the site. Otherwise, make sure to properly fill out forms to help your profile appear in more employer searches, especially if you are passively looking for work.
Use resume-building tools, and then optimise
Cluttered and unorganised resumes are usually ignored by recruiters, making your resume’s appearance and readability crucial in getting hired. Though you can opt to build your resume on your own, a resume-building tool serves as a guide that helps you create a resume that stays true to best practices. Resume-building tools also allow you to choose from an assortment of resume templates that will suit whichever industry you are in. Once you are happy with how your resume looks, optimise it according to your preference and the requirements of the job.
Keep track of companies and industries you are interested in
As you wait for employers to notice your applications, you might as well take the time to get to know them, too. Doing some research about your potential employers can help you understand them better, making it easy for you to customise your resume depending on their needs. Should you be considered for an interview, it will also demonstrate your preparation and how serious you are to land the job.
Companies are also becoming more conscious of how future employees see them, making it easy for job seekers to do research about a company’s work environment, employee benefits, growth opportunities, and other aspects that will make working with them seem appealing.
Don’t just reach out for opportunities, make them come to you
Job seekers are not the only ones who are looking for the next opportunity. As long as the economy is stable, even employers are in constant search of fresh talents to help improve their business. As you post your resume on job boards and reach out to employers, make sure that they will be pleased with what they see as well.
Maintain and update your professional profile
LinkedIn has become a popular social media platform where businessmen, industry leaders, professionals, and companies come to socialise, making this platform a perfect place to build connections and even find jobs. Stay updated with industry-specific updates while keeping loop with former colleagues in a professional setting. If you’re comfortable and confident about how you write, you could even publish short articles on your page to show how deep you understand the industry you work in.
De-clutter your social media profiles
Anyone who uses social media knows that your account could reflect a person’s beliefs, personality, and manners. Before sending out job applications, you may want to do a little background check on yourself with a simple incognito web search to see what information is publicly available. You may also want to review your profile and edit your profile’s privacy to prevent your potential employers from seeing social media posts that are supposedly personal and private.
Improve your expertise
When all is said and done, landing the right job boils down to the quality of work you can provide and deliver. Improve the skills you already have to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
Enrol in free online courses
Depending on which industry you work in, enrolling in free online courses may be a great help in boosting your resume and your business knowledge. For instance, managers in the hospitality industry are expected to know all its aspects, making both hands-on and by-the-books learning vital to develop their overall readiness for the job. Invest in yourself and learn the standard practices in the industry by reading resources and taking online courses.
Find apprenticeship opportunities
Getting real on-the-job experience is probably the best teacher, especially in the hospitality industry. If you think you are still lacking some skills that will make you perfect for a job you intend to acquire in the future, an apprenticeship may just be the perfect avenue for you to learn applicable real-life skills. If you maintain good connections among your former colleagues, especially your past superiors, you may want to spend time and explore an apprenticeship opportunity that will be beneficial for the both of you.