How to get Hired, even in Uncertain Times

Jobs — By 88DB Knowledge on July 20, 2012 10:06 am

Several find the act of job-hunting a chore, particularly when the economy is suffering and no one seems to be hiring. Here are a few tips on how to tip the odds in your favour and set yourself apart from the crowd to get hired.

Resume

Change your attitude and the rest will follow
In reality, that dream job we seek is a rarity, while mounting bills and other financial responsibilities are a more common occurrence. Don’t let this get you down. People respond to positivity – particularly employers who have interviewed several candidates. The image and feelings you project are more obvious than you think. Rather than looking at job-hunting as a chore, think of it as a new challenge that could put you closer to your ideal job. As corny as it sounds, the minute you change your attitude and thinking, everything else will seem like a walk-in-the-park.
Study the industry and be in the know
Research is everything, particularly in this day and age. With the internet bringing information to your fingertips, there is simply no excuse for one to go in ill-prepared. First, look up the industry and current climate – identify new trends, technology and other tools that are contributing to the growth of the business. Second, once you get the call for an interview, look up the organisation and learn what they specialise in, how long they have been in business, as well as any other information. It helps you identify if you really want to make the change and if the company is a place worth your time. It also helps arm you with the right questions and information to impress the interviewer.
Update and format your CV
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to resume length. However, we do recommend not going beyond 3 pages. While it seems like common sense to update your resume, several fail to appreciate the importance of a properly formatted one. A concise and beautifully formatted CV allows for easy reading, making a longer one more acceptable. Remember that you do not want to drone on, but at the same time, you don’t want to sell yourself short either. This is why Step 2 (above) is important. It helps you identify which skills you should highlight and which ones are probably not important and can be omitted.
Get creative
Emails are the fastest and most convenient way to apply for an opening. However, if you really want to stand out, do not underestimate the power of producing a creative CV and mailing it as well. For example, if you’re looking to enter the F&B industry, you could create a CV that looks like a menu or recipe book. For web, online marketing or social media positions, why not create your own fan page and direct traffic (in this case, your potential employers) to display your skills? Email your cover letter and CV as stated in the ad, but invest the time and effort to create something worthwhile so your email doesn’t get thrashed. Employers are always impressed by candidates that display the ability to think out-of-the-box.

So the next time you find yourself tasked with job-hunting, keep the above points in mind and hopefully, you’ll land your dream post faster than you thought you would, even in a poor economy.

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