Covid has proven difficult for most. Unemployment is high but job dissatisfaction is higher. Many people are looking for a change. Job hunting has changed in recent years the shift online has made finding jobs more accessible although the downside of this is that there are more applicants. It is important to know what you want when looking for a job, whether it be a specific role or within a specific industry.
It can be difficult to know where to start when beginning to look for a new job. Here are some of the ways that you can make your job hunt easier in 2021.
Update your CV.
Try to have a few versions of your CV personalised for the industry you are applying for a job within. Study job descriptions, pick out common requirements and if these apply to you try to fit them into your CV to demonstrate your compatibilities. Hiring managers will see that you have the qualities that they are looking for. Cover letters make a great accompaniment to your CV, ideally, you should write one for each individual job you apply for. Ask someone you trust to proofread your CV and/or cover letter for errors. Some people even choose to work with professional CV builders to improve their chances, or you can also find a wealth of CV and cover letter templates online to help you with the formatting.
Use your resources.
Take advantage of all job search opportunities. Whilst online searches are probably the most common nowadays, they are not the only option. You could reach out to companies personally, use social media sites, and networking can also prove useful. If you are or know a university student, take advantage of the job fairs, they offer. Sign up for job alerts through email. If you are interested in a specific industry, see if they have a publication that shows job opportunities.
Do your research.
When applying for jobs research can be invaluable. Look into the companies before applying to ensure that they are really worth working for. You can see reviews from previous employees online, find out about the environment and atmosphere within the business. Look up the benefits and salary you can expect for your level. Your research will also provide you with some information that you can reference in your dealings with the company to seem more prepared.
It is important to be aware of what employers can offer you especially in terms of benefits. Some employers opt to showcase these online too, using employee benefits software from zestbenefits.com. Online resources such as zest – which has been going for over a decade – give employees autonomy over managing their own benefits.
Follow up.
Following an interview, send your contact an expression of gratitude for their time. It can take some time to hear back during the interview process, to appear keen and interested follow up with a phone call or email after a week, whilst you are waiting to hear back it would be prudent to continue applying for other jobs just in case this one does not go your way.
In conclusion
It is important to know what career path you want to follow, if you have an ultimate career goal you may have to start at a more entry-level role and work your way up to it. Make a plan, it does not have to be particularly regimented it is simply a guide for you to follow, something to help you narrow your job search down. Confidence is key, apply for the things you are interested in even if you do not meet all the requirements. Everyone has to start somewhere.
