Across the country, out of-favour MPs such as Vince Cable and Ed Balls have lost their seats in the 2015 general election. If you, like them, have suddenly found yourself out of work, there’s only one way to find your next job – and that’s by being proactive. Here are my five tips for getting back on your feet after you’ve lost a job.
1. Stay positive
It may be a cliche, but positive thinking is key when hunting for a new job. If you feel negative about your job search, then employers will probably find your attitude off-putting. To stay positive, remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Staying upbeat is a difficult but necessary skill for jobseekers.
2. Identify your strengths
Make sure you’re realistic about applying for roles that match your skills. If a job requires experience or qualifications you don’t have, look into how you could develop or acquire these before applying.
If your skills are a good fit, sit down with a friend and talk through your attributes. It’s important before an interview to get to know the candidate specification inside out. Ask yourself: “What can I bring to this job that others can’t?”
When you apply, it’s also worth thinking about what you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to progress in an industry you like, so look for something that stretches your skills. And don’t assume your dream job doesn’t exist – there are plenty of roles to choose from.
3. Network in your industry
Stay active within your network of contacts, both socially and professionally. Get your face out there and keep in contact with professionals in your field. This also applies to your social life – if you get invited to dinner parties and other social events, always take a business card. You never know who you might meet.
4. Build a rapport with employers
When you do manage to get that all-important foot in the door, don’t be afraid to do something different to make your application stand out. It’s important to build a rapport during a job interview, so research your potential employers to find common interests and hobbies. Social media is also an vital tool for jobseekers looking to learn more about potential employers.
5. Don’t rule out internships and voluntary work
Finally, it can be a useful strategy to apply for voluntary work if your job search is taking longer than expected. This is a valuable way to gain experience and keep your skills updated. It also shows to recruiters you are proactive.
Promoting yourself needn’t be about who can write the longest, most wordy job application. Jobseekers should use online media to promote themselves, stand out from the crowd and, ultimately, land that dream job.
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