Table of Contents
Starting a job search can be an intimidating process full of unknowns. A careful approaches is important to successfully pass this journey.
Hormazd Mistry, CEO, ROI Institute India, offers insightful advice on how job seekers can stand out from the crowd, land interviews and fulfill their ambitions to land their ideal position.
Here are 4 Approaches for a Successful Job Search:
1. CURATE YOUR BRAND
Craft your unique identity:
Setting yourself apart from other applicants is important in a competitive job market. Personal branding is the secret to developing a distinctive identity that highlights your abilities, knowledge and personality. Create a professional or personal website, LinkedIn page and other relevant social media accounts to establish your online presence. According to a LinkedIn poll, candidates who have a complete LinkedIn profile are 40 times more likely to receive employment opportunities through the network. Interact with colleagues in the field and share insightful information to position yourself as an authority.
Tailor your resume and cover letter
A common mistake made by job seekers is to send the same cover letter and CV with every job application. According to Glassdoor research, recruiters take an average of just six seconds to evaluate a resume. Tailor your application materials to each job posting, emphasizing your experience and qualifications in line with the job description. Customizing your resume to include relevant keywords that match the job criteria can greatly increase your chances of being shortlisted.
Showcase your skills through projects
In addition to a typical CV demonstrate the skills you have used while working on projects linked to your industry. Create a personal website or portfolio that uses papers, case studies or creative work to highlight your areas of expertise. I kept a portfolio of several projects I worked on while looking for a job. It was a useful tool for the interview as it gave me the opportunity to showcase my abilities and provide solid evidence of my qualifications.
2. ESTABLISH YOUR NETWORK
Network like a pro
Networking is still a very effective method of finding a job. Attend conferences, workshops and industry events to network with experts in your field. A survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that networking accounts for nearly 70% of job searches.
Use Internet resources like LinkedIn to expand your network. Don’t limit yourself to job listings; Unofficial networking often produces surprising results.
Leverage the power of referrals
Employee recommendations can greatly improve your chances of being selected. Employers frequently prefer applicants recommended by their employees because it builds trust. According to a Jobvite survey, candidates who are referred are 15 times more likely to be hired than those who apply through a job site. Thus, reach out to people in your network, let them know you are interested in certain companies, and ask if they can recommend you.
3. PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Prepare for behavioural interviews
According to research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), behavioral interviews can predict future job performance with 55 percent accuracy. This is one reason why interviewers often focus on behavioral inquiries, such as your responses to specific events and past experiences. Practice using the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Outcome) to answer frequently asked behavioral questions. Emphasize problem solving, flexibility, and collaboration, as these are qualities most organizations value highly.
Get comfortable with video interview platforms
According to a recent survey, 60% of hiring managers frequently use video interviews in the hiring process. Thus, familiarize yourself with the platform for video conferencing and conduct virtual interviews with loved ones. For a flawless interview experience, make sure you have a professional background, adequate lighting and a reliable internet connection.
4. SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Follow up strategically
Send a personal thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. Thank you for the opportunity, briefly restate your interest in the role, and ask for helpful criticism. Identifying your areas for growth can help you perform well in subsequent interviews. Follow up shows that you are enthusiastic about the job, professional and open to learning.
Develop a growth mindset
Having a growth mindset is key when it comes to your job search. Accept setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth and development. Attending courses, earning certifications, and continuing your education will broaden your knowledge and show that you are dedicated to professional and personal growth.
Embrace resilience and perseverance
Finding a job can be difficult and time-consuming. On this road, embrace resilience and perseverance. Be optimistic and persistent in your job search efforts. Never forget that the process involves rejection. Rejections are redirects rather than taken personally. Stay motivated, get something out of every encounter and move on.
Success in your job search requires a variety of strategies including practice, networking, building a growth mindset and personal branding. Be growth-focused and flexible, using setbacks as learning moments. Remember that this is a journey that requires endurance and can be emotionally taxing. To stay in a good frame of mind, take breaks, pursue hobbies, and prioritize self-care.
I wish you the best of luck in your job search!
READ | 5 soft skills hiring managers are looking for and how to build them
READ | 7 power words to include in your resume and wow hiring managers
READ | Succeed in job interviews by mastering these 5 key skills