Whether you are a recent graduate looking to take the first step towards an exciting career, or you are already working full-time and have decided that it’s time to move onto something new; we have some top tips to ensure you are using your time wisely in order to achieve the results you want.
In this digital age we are blessed to have technology at our finger tips, giving the latest generation of job seekers more freedom than any before. Not only can you access jobs boards, contact recruitment agencies and make valuable business connections whilst on the go, but you can create blogs to demonstrate your skill set and network like crazy on LinkedIn and Twitter.
To prevent the whole process of find a job becoming a little overwhelming, we will start at the beginning of your guide to securing your ideal job:
1) The importance of a sterling CV:
In most instances your CV is your first opportunity to make yourself truly stand out. Ideally you will tailor your CV to suit each individual role that you apply for, but it is a good idea to begin with a basic template of your recent, relevant experience, education and interests that can be changed according to a job’s requirements.
Start off with an attention-grabbing personal statement, this only needs to be a sentence or two but should demonstrate to a potential employer that you are confident in your own abilities as well as your career goals for the future.
READ MORE: 5 Reasons Your CV Doesn’t Get You Noticed
2) What should your CV include?
Following on, your next section should outline your most recent job role or relevant experience – if you are a graduate this may include an internship or skills acquired during your degree that are directly applicable to the job post. In this description it is important to consider what you as an individual brought to that role; employers will be looking for something unique that will make you an asset to their business rather than a generic skill that numerous other job seekers possess.
It is equally important to you mention any interests or hobbies you take part in, particularly if these are team based, as this will inform an employer that you are well rounded as well as willing to dedicate time and effort to all aspects of your life.
While structuring your CV, bear in mind who will be reading it and how little time they will spend on each CV. Make sure the information you present is easy for an employer to consume with an effective layout that covers no more than 2 sides of A4.
READ MORE: Top 10 Things NOT to Include on Your CV
3) It’s all about who you know:
In a competitive job market it is crucial that you are using any advantage at your disposal, this includes valuable connections forged online, at networking events and friends who may be able to put you in touch with people in the industry you are interested in.
LinkedIn offers vast opportunities for busy job seekers who may not otherwise have time to get to networking events. Social networking can be just as valuable, and even more so depending on your industry, than going to events as it allows you to put a lot of information out to the world about yourself, your experience and even include examples of your work.
4) Use your time spent on social networks wisely:
However, although LinkedIn is a less formal environment than your CV, it is still a place to sell yourself and what you can do for a business. Your profile should demonstrate your experience and present new information to that covered in your CV, it should not be the same content duplicated as employers will be looking here to find out more about you.
When building connections and finding companies to follow, assess if it is appropriate to connect with people who work at businesses you are interested in working for and build a rapport; alternatively contact with the company via Twitter. Unlike LinkedIn, getting yourself noticed on Twitter takes a little more gusto, and usually requires following someone you would like to make contact with and waiting for any opportunity to join in their conversation.
It is therefore worth thinking about how you conduct yourself generally on social media whilst considering how your Twitter output may be perceived by a potential employer.
READ MORE: How Job Seekers Use Social Media and Mobile in 2014
5) Spend your commute wisely:
Your journey to and from work is the ideal time to look for and apply for new job opportunities. This could be half an hour at a time spent selecting jobs you are interested in that you will apply for later in the day and save you time in long run.
Author: Danielle Middleton is a digital content writer for bcllegal.com, a specialist recruitment agency for the legal industry. With offices throughout the UK, BCL Legal’s experienced consultants have the valuable connections in law firms and business entities that give high calibre candidates the edge they need in a competitive job market.
