How to improve chances of getting hired

HAVE you been looking for a job lately, and just felt like you are in a rut and things are not moving? Many times, when we interact with job seekers, they are rather in shock to hear that just sending out applications and hope things will work out is not a good strategy.

Looking for a job is a tedious process. It depends not only on your determination but also on finding ways to make you the preferred candidate. Having more strategies to differentiate yourself may give you the winning edge over other applicants.

Looking for a job is hard work, but don’t be intimidated when you embark on a job search. Be persistent, keep the faith, and practise job-hunting guidelines to land the right job. But what is the best strategy to pursue when job hunting?

Using a variety of job-hunting techniques to improve your chances could result in a job offer suited to your talents and qualifications. The more ideas you apply, the better your chances. Below are various ways that can improve your chances:

Research on your target company

Before you do anything in a job search, take time to decide which kind of job you really want. While most job applicants know something about their prospective employer, few can state more than a sentence or two about the firm.

Be familiar not only with what the company does but also with its particular products and services. Spending some time identifyig an employer will give you an idea of which companies are in your field. You will also be able to determine which companies are hiring and what types of job openings are available.

Network as much as you can

Many jobs are not advertised. The best way to find the right job is by building relationships — it is easier than you think. Networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself, it’s about building relationships and connecting with others: people you know, people you don’t know well, and new people you have never met before.

Don’t just concentrate on your present network, develop a wider circle by seeking help through groups you may not have previously dealt with.

Accessing the hidden job market through networking may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it’s much more effective.

Formal networking works too — try going to a business, social or association meeting or event. You will find that many of the participants have the same goals as you and will be glad to exchange business cards. Use of the internet to network is also crucial.

Visit discussion boards like the Indeed.com job forums to network with career professionals and other job seekers.

Visit a site, like LinkedIn, which focuses on online job search and career networking.

Position yourself as a problem solver

If you need help in being the best candidate for a same job, see yourself as a problem solver and not just a job seeker. When you are pursuing a job lead, don’t think to yourself: “What can I do to get this company interested in me?” Instead, ask: “What do I know or what am I able to do that can help this company be more successful?”

The key in today’s job market is knowing what you have to offer an employer. It starts with a good understanding of what potential employers are looking for and taking the time to check if you can solve their problem through the services you will offer. There are plenty of job seekers in the marketplace who are intelligent but have missed out on good opportunities because they are not problem solvers.

Volunteer to work for free for a while

Volunteering can be a great way to enhance your job search and career. If you have no job at present anyway, what have you to lose? Volunteering increases your personal and professional networks, and opens up job lead opportunities while keeping you abreast with current trends in your preferred area of employment.

You must, however, be careful when volunteering so that you don’t give the impression of being desperate. Volunteering provides an opportunity for you to learn new skills and keep your existing skills sharp in today’s work environment.

Make your resume stand out

Having a well-organised and comprehensive resume is key. Your resume is the most important document to help in your job search. It’s your frontline fighter, so to speak, as it’s your first opportunity to present yourself to a potential employer. A strong resume can help you stand out from the rest, but a weak resume can remove you from the running, so you have to do all you can to make sure your resume is the best it can be.

Make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. If you are not a good writer, ask someone to proofread or, better yet, write your biodata. How your resume is written is almost as important as its content.

Update your CV constantly

Updating your resume regularly helps you refocus towards your career goals and expectations. Don’t exclude added abilities that you have acquired, they will assist you. If any additional function you are doing is adding value to your department/organisation, include it, but ensure it’s relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

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