If you’ve been searching for a job for months without success, it may be time to ask yourself if you could be a better candidate? Are you applying for hundreds of vacancies only to find out that you haven’t even made it past the first round? If so, now is the time to do something to improve your chances of getting that interview. Here are some tips and tricks to make yourself more appealing to employers and earn a good salary in no time.
How to shine on paper
Many employers will go through reams of paper resumes and application forms to find a bunch of candidates they want to see again. If you’re applying for a job that has attracted a lot of interest, it’s essential to outshine your competitors on paper. Your resume needs to be relevant, current, and it should set you apart from others. If you’ve been firing off applications without modifying or updating your resume, this could be where you’ve been going wrong. You should tailor your application to every individual job. You don’t have to rewrite everything, but your application should be relevant to the vacancy.
When you’re doing your resume, you don’t need to include jobs you had ten years ago. Focus on highlighting your strengths and showcasing your skills and experience. Include information about your education and employment history, and add any extra training programs or courses that may impress an employer. If you’re going for a sales job, if you have Microsoft PowerPoint training or experience of leading a field sales team, this could give you the edge over others. If you want to pursue a career in journalism, courses or workshops in interviewing may make the difference.
Improving your interview skills
If you’ve been getting interviews but not securing the job offer, it may be wise to try and improve your interview skills. Some people excel in this environment, but for others, it can be very daunting. If you get nervous, try and take deep breaths, prepare thoroughly, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Go through some notes beforehand, relax, and be positive. Be confident in what you can do, and what you can offer the company. Do some research to make sure you know more about the job and the firm, and have some questions ready. Think about what the interviewers could ask you, and prepare some answers. Think before you speak and take your time to answer. Maintain eye contact and smile from time to time. This can break the ice, and make you come across as friendly and approachable. If you’re presenting, rehearse several times, and make sure you know what you’re talking about. Don’t rush, and speak clearly. Inject some passion and enthusiasm into what you’re saying.
If you can’t seem to find a job, it may be time to start thinking about how you could improve your chances. Have a good look at your resume, and make sure that it emphasizes your skills and abilities. Tailor each application, and seek advice if you don’t think your resume is as strong as it could be. If you’re failing at the interview stage, practice public speaking, and make sure you prepare for every interview thoroughly. If you struggle with presentations, it may be worth looking into workshops or sessions that could help you build your confidence.
Image Credits: Flazingo Photos, Highways England
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