Whether you have been rethinking your career as a whole or looking to escape working in an office in favour of something a little more hands-on, finding (and securing) a new job is difficult. In fact, each time you send in an application, you’re likely in direct competition with a large group of people who share similar qualifications and skills. Therefore, you must find a way to stand out from the crowd as opposed to blending in. This is the easiest way for your application to turn into an interview and for your interview to turn into a job offer.
With that in mind, here is some guidance that can help you put your best foot forward when applying for jobs.
- Whenever you start a new application, take some time to carefully read the description provided for the employer. Highlight any keywords or phrases that stand out – and ensure they are present in your resume and cover letter. For example, if they are looking for somebody with excellent time management skills, then mention the fact that you understand the importance of good time management and that you can handle multiple deadlines at once. This is the easiest way in which you can go about improving your resume.
- Do your research ahead of time. For example, though the job listing itself will provide you with an insight into the company and the kind of employees they are looking for – the more information you have at your disposal, the better. Check out their company website and LinkedIn page to get started. You could also reach out to current employees to ask for guidance or introduce yourself ahead of time.
- Focus on building an online presence by setting up your own website. You can use this as an opportunity to provide a potential employer with a deeper insight into who you are and the skills you have to offer beyond what you can feature on your resume. For example, Barr Rosenberg uses his website to detail his extensive qualifications and experience in statistics, alongside sharing his story with others.
- Wherever possible, try to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager. If this information isn’t readily available, you may be able to find it on their company website or employee database. Taking the extra time to complete this research shows that you are dedicated and resourceful.
- Whenever you come across an application, don’t forget to pay attention to the deadline and ensure that you send off your application with plenty of time to spare. After all, you don’t want to spend hours filling out forms only for a technical error to stop you from applying.
- Start on your application sooner rather than later, as this gives you the time you need to fill out all of the forms to the best of your ability and tailor your resume where appropriate. Don’t forget to proofread your application several times, as there is no point telling an employer you have excellent attention to detail if your application is full of small mistakes and errors.