10 Steps to Improve Your Job Chances

10 Steps to Improve Your Job Chances

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins

 

You have decided to look for a new job. But, in the haste to land your new job, you need to make sure that you have covered all the bases and approach your job search in a patient and professional manner.

These 10 tips will make sure that your job chances stay on the right track.

 

1. Develop a job search plan

The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true now as it has ever been. If you know where you want to be and the job you want, it is easier to get there. Therefore, split your job search into short- and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order to reach them.

For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find a job: The Internet? Newspapers?

The more you know about your goals and the more ways you search for your next job, the greater your chances of finding your ideal job.

 

2. List your achievements

Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are looking for because they need to determine "What can this person do for my business?" They want to see evidence of jobs you have done that went above and beyond the basic requirements of your job role.

Look back over the last 12 months and pick out any notable successes or special projects that you were involved in -- this can then be used to show an employer when you are at interview stage. After all, if you have a trumpet to blow then blow it.

 

3. Revamp your CV

Your CV is designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell yourself.

Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables buyers (employers) to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key to attracting their interest.

Writing a winning CV can be a challenge. But, by putting the mileage, in you will have a document that will make potential employers take action and invite you for an interview.

 

4. Decide the type of company you want to work for

You spend almost 70 per cent of your time at work during the course of a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture that you can enjoy and thrive. And, that means targeting organisations that match your goals and career values.

Luckily, many of the advertised jobs on CareerBuilder feature a link to the recruiting company's profile which will enable you to get an insight into their working environment.

After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on the same exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in haste.

 

5. Use the Web

OK, so you are already on the Web but are you really using it to your advantage as a tool to help you get your next job? No? Then post your CV online, create your own personal account on different job boards and keep up to date with developments in your chosen field by reading the online community pages which will also give information about working in different sectors within your industry. Knowledge is power, they say.

 

6. Network

Talk to friends, call old work colleagues and attend industry trade shows or networking events. Networking may sound daunting but the more events you attend the easier it becomes. And, the higher up the corporate ladder you move the more and more everybody knows everybody else and a referral from one of your contact could help your career.

 

7. Customise your CV and covering letter

It may seem tempting to simply cut and paste the same CV and covering letter to several employers, but it could cost you in the long run. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying and only include relevant information that will demonstrate how your experience links to the advertised position.

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure that your CV has a marketing bias highlighting your experience in this field.

 

8. Dress to impress

Shakespeare once said: "Apparel oft proclaims the man." Your image is the outer reflection of your inner self allowing people to judge and make assumptions of your personality and attitudes. Dressing successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break your interview.

Dress for the job you want not the job you already have.

 

9. Stay positive and avoid neg-heads

Job seeking is never easy and there will be times when you will want to give up and resign yourself to staying in your current job. But don't give up.

Experts estimate that the average job search can last anywhere from two to 10 months. So be patient and have the belief that you will find your dream job just around the corner. As Henry Ford said: "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."

 

10. Be good to yourself

Searching for a job is a job in itself and, unless you take a break away from it, you could start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Don't allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Allow time to relax with friends, listen to your iPod or go to the gym and participate in activities that you enjoy. Clearing your mind and replenishing your energy will enable you to resume your job search feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins spent several years working within the online recruitment media. He is now a freelance writer specialising in all issues regarding careers, workplace issues, recruitment, interviews, and hiring trends.