11 Top Tips To Find A Perfect New Job
Are you looking to change your job or career direction at the moment?
Good news – job hunting and applications don’t need to be fraught with difficulty and annoyance.
We’ve got some really useful tips you can apply to help your job search run smoothly and get hired for the job you want.
1. Be Organised
If you’re out of work at the moment or you’re desperate to change jobs, you may be tempted to apply for each and every job you see, as quickly as possible. This isn’t a good strategy. Yes, you’ll probably want to apply for a lot of jobs, but you should be selective and choose ones that are suitable for you and your skills.
Also, make sure you keep a track of all the jobs that you apply for, as you don’t want to end up applying for the same job twice on different job platforms. Create a spreadsheet that logs all the jobs you applied for, whether you’ve spoken to anybody at the company, and what stage the application is at.
2. Get An Online DBS Check Done
More and more employers are requesting that job candidates apply for a DBS check online. A DBS check is a criminal background check that searches through your police records and reveals any details of a criminal history. It’s a good idea to get a DBS check completed before applying for jobs and supply the DBS certificate with your application. It shows that you’re willing to take the initiative and that you’re going to make life easier for your employer. You can apply for your DBS Check here.
3. Prioritise Jobs That Interest You
OK, so if the situation is desperate and you really need to get work as soon as possible, you’ll probably need to apply for lots of jobs, some of which may not be ideal jobs for you. But what you should do is prioritise the ones you like the sound of. In other words, spend your time wisely when applying for jobs. If you’ve got a choice between sending out 10 applications for jobs you’ll probably hate or sending out 8 applications for jobs that sound great, you may be better off choosing the latter.
4. Use Your Network
The old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is still true, even in today’s digital world. Yes, there are dozens of big job platforms with hundreds of positions advertised, but a lot of positions are still filled before they even get a chance to be advertised. Use your connections and network to get noticed by potential employers.
5. Register On Multiple Job Platforms
There are dozens of job sites out there these days. Make sure you register with the big ones, as well as any that are targeted at the industry, sector, or area that you work in. Indeed, Monster and Glassdoor are the biggest ones in the UK.
Also, you can build your profile on business social media site LinkedIn to get introductions and alerts about new jobs that match your skills.
6. Gain Experience & Skills
Most employers look at your previous experience before anything else – qualifications, professional development, etc. They want to see that you can actually do the job in question. It may even pay to do some unpaid work, just to gain some valuable experience. Any extra relevant experience you can add to your CV will help you land the job you want.
7. Get Feedback After Interviews
If you apply for enough jobs, eventually you’ll start getting some interviews. Don’t be disheartened if you’re not successful in an interview – most people experience this at some point in their lives. Use it as a learning experience by following up with the interviewer and requesting feedback. It’s usually best to follow up on the same day or the next day while the details are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
8. Write An Engaging Cover Letter and CV
Most people just make their application a list of qualifications, experience, and skills. An easy way to make yourself stand out from the crowd is to write a cover letter to accompany your application that tells the potential employer why they should choose you for the role.
Describe similar roles you have done, how you coped with challenges, overcame difficulties, etc. These kinds of descriptions are much more engaging and persuasive than a simple list of skills and experience.
9. Present Yourself Well
If you get called up to an interview, even for a casual job, you should make an effort with your appearance and try to look smart. First impressions count for a lot, so you don’t want to look scruffy or lazy. Employers want to hire people they can trust and looking after yourself inspires trust.
10. Make Sure To Get Good References
References from previous employers or education providers are really important. A glowing reference from a past employer can put you streets ahead of other candidates, even those more qualified than yourself. On the interview, don’t be tempted to disrespect or complain about previous employers, it will come across as bitterness and possibly appear disloyal, which are not good characteristics.
11. Prepare Answers To Common Questions
The best way to be successful in an interview is to be prepared. Make sure you have anticipated the types of questions that may come up and practiced how you will answer them. You should also prepare some questions of your own to ask your prospective employer, as this will help you to look proactive and engaged.
Good Luck With Your Job Search!
We know that job hunting, applying for work, and sitting interviews can be a stressful undertaking. We hope that the 11 tips listed above will help to make it a more pleasant and successful experience.
If you want any assistance with getting an online DBS check, or would like to ask any questions about criminal record checks, in general, then get in touch today.
