Focus 5 Top 5 – Advice for Job Hunters

There’s a lot to think about when you’re job hunting, and there’s some essential advice we share with all our candidates.

No matter what sector, level of seniority or years of experience, this quick read will certainly help maximise your chances of landing your new dream role

1. Know just what you’re looking for

Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many candidates just desperately apply for ANY role with the slightest similarity to their experience. In a market where there are more job seekers than jobs, concentrate your efforts on the opportunities that best match your skills and experience – your success rate will be significantly improved.

2. Make your CV stand out

Get your CV registered on the RIGHT job boards; the ones which cover your particular industry or skills set you work within. Doing this gives hiring managers and recruiters a better chance of matching you to roles you’ve not applied for, or that aren’t even advertised. Not sure which are the best boards? A quick Google will return the boards advertising your type of role.

Here’s a top tip –update your profile on a weekly basis (it need only be a small change like an extra space or return.) When agency and internal recruiters search job boards for CVs, results are often ranked in order of activity – so regular updates will get you to the top of their searches.

Add in a couple of generic boards; CV Library, Total Jobs and Jobsite are all good (https://www.cv-library.co.uk/, https://www.totaljobs.com/ and https://www.jobsite.co.uk/), and you’ll have all bases covered.

3. Update your LinkedIn profile

Populate your profile and employment details with RELEVANT detail. Think what recruiters will be searching for – key skills, sectors you’ve worked in, achievements and recent projects.

Actively looking for a new role? Let people know. Some recruiters search specifically for terms like “available”, “looking” or “seeking”. If you’re not putting your current role at risk, then update your profile picture with the “open to work” icon so as people know.

4. Drink coffee (even virtually)

When job hunting, it’s important to meet with as many people as possible. While your favourite coffee shop is the perfect place, right now that may be difficult. It’s time to go online.

Reconnect with colleagues, clients and customers from previous roles. They’re all part of the same industry and even if they might not have the perfect role for you themselves, they may well know someone who does.

Cast your net as wide as possible to catch as many opportunities as you can. The more people in both your network and industry that know you’re looking, the more likely you are to be approached.

And, when the time is right, the coffee will be on you!

5. Contact the right recruiter

Recruiters are paid for finding the right candidates – and that means candidates with highly relevant experience. It’s too easy to waste time dealing with recruiters who won’t be able to help with your search. Do your research and ask those in your sector who they recommend. Deal with the right recruiter and your success rate will improve significantly.

Getting recruited for the right role is all about increasing your chances of both being found by the recruiter or hiring manager and getting your foot in the door for an interview. Make sure people know you’re looking, and that they can find your details.

We regularly blog with advice for candidates, check out our other blogs for more top tips, and for more bespoke advice, feel free to get in touch or register your CV with us.