While many people are struggling to find work, many businesses report they're still looking to hire and the war for talent is strong. There are clear steps you can take to ensure that you get on a potential employer's radar – and stay there. Here's how you can get one step closer to the right job for you:
• Create a job-search strategy. Employers hate receiving applications from candidates who lack relevant experience or qualifications. Take the time to read job postings and ask yourself if you fulfil the job requirements. A recent CareerBuilder forecast showed that employers are struggling to find qualified candidates so tailor your existing skills to the job's requirements, adapt your CV and write a relevant, personable cover letter.
• Build your network. Social media is becoming increasingly popular as a recruitment tool and offers a great way to connect and engage with organisations, get a feel for their culture and assess whether the brand is a good fit for you.
Interacting with potential employers in an intelligent way will help you get your foot in the door, and LinkedIn and Facebook are a good way to stay in touch with contacts you've met, interviewed with or come across through recruitment days. Just remember to keep your profile professional; highlight accomplishments that will make you stand out and attract the attention of employers screening applicants via social profiles.
• Diversify your search. As well as connecting with employers through social media, don't underestimate the power of face-to-face meetings. Careers fairs may appear daunting but building that relationship with a potential employer will pay off in the longer term. They also give you the chance to get an insight into the range of organisations out there, talk to professionals and build your network.
Today's job search can be summed up in one word: hustle. The more you switch up your efforts, the more opportunities you'll find and get ahead of the pack.
• Be unique. When an employer asks "why should I hire you?", have a list of your best qualities to hand. When you find jobs that you feel confident about, do something that will help you stand out and be memorable to the recruiter or human resources manager. Before applying, find out the name of the hiring manager or someone who heads up the department the position is in, and contact them directly. Use LinkedIn to your benefit; reach out with a brief introduction and let them know you've applied for the position and you hope to be in touch. After applying, it never hurts to follow up with a company via social media.
• Listen. Searching for a job can be tedious and isolating. Some applicants get so focused that they forget to listen, research or monitor conversations. Pay attention to how employers are communicating about jobs via social media and their websites, and how you can speak to them in their own language. Connect with other jobseekers or career experts, and see what methods you can adopt from their job-search strategies. Be sure that while you're out selling yourself, you take the time to listen to how others are finding success in their search.
Tony Roy is president of Europe Middle East and Asia at CareerBuilder
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