Top tips to shorten your job search

Stuart Miles@freedigitalphotos.net

Stuart Miles@freedigitalphotos.net

Looking for a new job can be incredibly time-consuming and very disheartening if you’ve been on the market for a while and don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Below we have listed some of the most common mistakes people make when job hunting along with some great tips on how to shorten the process.

Common mistakes candidates make when looking for a new job

Only using Internet job boards – putting all your eggs in one basket seriously reduces your chances of finding a job. There are many other resources out there including LinkedIn, face-to-face networking and registering with recruitment agencies.

Applying to too many jobs – people often spend entire days applying to jobs and then wonder why they don’t get anywhere. You’re much better off applying to a select few each day and tailoring your CV and cover letter to suit the position. Recruiters can easily spot candidates who are just applying to anything and everything for the sake of finding a job.

Ignoring potential pitfalls – large gaps on your CV, frequent job hopping and unfinished qualifications are all potential barriers that could be preventing you from getting interviews. If you have any of these on your CV, don’t leave them unexplained otherwise chances are that your application will end up in the bin.

How to shorten your job search

Shout about it – obviously this is a bit more difficult if you’re still employed but don’t be afraid to tell as many people as you can that you’re looking. You just never know when someone might know someone who is looking for an employee just like you.

Ask for feedback on your CV and interview technique – friends and family can be great critiques when it comes to this, especially if they’re in senior management, HR or recruitment positions. An outsider will be able to spot any errors and missing information and will also be able to tell you what sounds really good and what doesn’t sound so great. It’s also well worth attending as many interviews as you can even if you know the job isn’t quite right. The more practice you get, the better rehearsed you will be when your perfect role presents itself.

Practice talking about your skills and achievements – most of us struggle to talk about the things we’re good at and what we’ve accomplished and unfortunately, in a job interview, this can be mistaken for a lack of confidence. Practice doing this in front of friends, family and even people you don’t know so well. Eventually you will figure out your own style that sounds natural, confident and allows you to feel comfortable.

Stay committed and optimistic – when you’ve been on the hunt for a new job for weeks or months, it’s very easy to become disheartened. Giving up isn’t going to help you find a job though so hang in there and keep going. Remember to stay positive as well because employers love candidates who are enthusiastic. Keep making calls and trying to get interviews – you never know, you may even start to enjoy meeting lots of new people and these contacts could come in handy later down the line.

If you would like help with your job search, please feel free to contact Choralis Consulting and we will be more than happy to help.

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