At Beyond Recruitment we often get asked how people should approach finding a job. Although it may seem like an obvious question, the reality is that it generally requires several steps. Which is why we’ve put together our very own step to step guide to help you with your job search so that you can succeed with your career goals and aspirations.
Step 1: Where Do You Want to Go with Your Career?
When you’re looking for a new job the first step is to define what you’re looking to achieve in your career and where you need to be headed next. Moving forward towards your dream job takes careful planning and a strategy. In today’s job market you cannot simply expect opportunities to come to you. You must get out there and define your success, build your networks, and potentially find a mentor to help guide you on your career path. Whether you’re wondering how to find a job after University, or if you just want to know how to get your career on track, check out our previous blog so you can successfully steer your career in the right direction.
Step 2: Update Your CV & LinkedIn
Treat your CV as a living document and go out of your way to keep it updated, because first impressions do count. The aim of your CV is to get you an interview, so you want to create a CV that highlights your skills, experience, and eligibility for the role as best as possible. Since employers receive high numbers of applications, they might only have a brief amount of time to read your CV. Of course you'll want to catch their attention, but using bright colours and loud fonts can detract from your efforts. Instead, to make your CV stand out you should use a simple design and keep it focused on clarity. Look at our top tips that are key for your CV to get you started.
As well as polishing your CV, make sure to update your LinkedIn profile and treat it as your “online CV.” Just like the summary on your CV, this summary section on your LinkedIn profile gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd. You also have more space on your LinkedIn profile to highlight your top achievements, awards, personality, and skills, so use it wisely!
Step 3: Prepare for Interviews
Preperation and presentation are key for interview success. Knowing what to wear to an interview can really impact your chances, so find out ahead of time if there is a dress code so that you can dress to impress. When it comes to the interview questions, we’ve got you covered with our top 50 common interview questions so that you can come prepared and ready for any questions that are thrown at you. However, it’s not just the employer who can ask you questions. To see if the company fits you, prepare a few questions of your own by taking a look at our guide to interviewing the employer the right way.
To ace the interview and impress the interviewer, it’s good to have a knowledge of the role, company, and the current market or industry you’re in. This can give you an advantage over other job seekers who haven’t done their research. To find out more about what interviewers want to hear, you can read more here.
Step 4: Establish Your Personal Brand
To pave a successful path for your career, it’s crucial to establish and promote your personal brand. As we mentioned in one of our previous blogs, there are various ways that you can stand out and become memorable through your personal brand. Present yourself in a positive light both in person, and on social media, and build your brand so that you come across as a trustworthy and credible person in your industry. If you’re still puzzled about personal branding, take a look at our blog covering everything you need to know about personal branding.
Step 5: Working with a Recruiter
Whenever you’re in doubt, stressed out, or struggling with your job search, seeking help from a Recruiter could be the way to go. Recruiters are specialists at what they do. They can take you through the necessary steps to help you find work, check your CV, and connect you with jobs relevant to your skills and experience. Working with a Recruiter can give your career and job search a serious boost, and the best part is, it’s free! Intrigued? Check out the ten things every job seeker should know about working with a Recruiter.
Summary
By following our guide, you'll be well on your way to job searching like a pro in no time. Remember to remain upbeat, dedicated, and focused on your career goals. You’ll truly stand out in today’s competitive job market if you’re prepared, confident, and if you have an updated CV and LinkedIn profile that is ready to go. If you’re still unsure of where to start or if you need help, our experts at Beyond Recruitment can take you through each step so you’re confident with your next career move. Feel free to get in touch today.
