In this blog, recruitment experts Jade and Charlotte from Young Women’s Trust partners Venn Group have put together some practical tips for anyone searching for a new job right now.
Brilliant basics
Make sure you ensure you tailor your CV to each job you apply for. This will not only highlight your suitability for the role but also your attention to detail. Young Women’s Trust offer a CV feedback service. It’s completely free to use and you’ll receive detailed, personalised feedback to help you build the best CV.
Think about any new skills you’re developing
Keep a note of any transferable skills you’re learning from lockdown and add them to your CV. If you’re doing home schooling for your kids, learning how to use webinars and hosting online meetings, taking an online course, practicing a hobby or helping out your neighbours – these are all valuable skills to add to a CV.
Be flexible
Now is the time to be open to all opportunities. The job you get may not be your perfect job but once in a company you never know who you may meet or what chances may open up. Don’t be put off by a role that doesn’t tick all your boxes, you never know what might come out of it.
Be honest about your skills
If you have a gap in your skills or experience don’t shy away from it and treat it like the ‘elephant in the room’. Be honest and explain how you have other skills that make you a good fit for the job. Remember, it is very rare for an employer to find the ‘perfect candidate’ – they are looking for the best person for the job.
Make connections
LinkedIn is a great free networking tool that can be used from the comfort of your own home. Follow companies you are interested in and keep an eye out for those all-important opportunities.
You can get in touch with recruitment agencies too. Just Google ‘recruitment agencies’ to start your search. There are often agencies that specialize in your local area or career path, and you don’t have to have lots of experience to be considered. Not every role will be advertised if the agency thinks they already know someone who would be a good fit. You could be that person!
Be responsive
Employers and recruitment consultants love it when a candidate is keen, so if you get that email or call, make time to take the call or respond quickly. You will stand out if you follow up your application with a phone call (there are usually contact details on a vacancy). A phone call is also a way to expand your original application of your CV, which could therefore ‘bump you up’ the process.
Be a great second choice
You won’t always be successful but your reaction will either keep the door open or shut it. If you hear you have not been offered an interview or job, be positive and let the recruiter know that if anything changes you would love to work for them. Sometimes the first choice can drop out or another role can arise. Every interview as an opportunity to practise your interview skills and meet new people.
Be adaptable
Video interviewing is now becoming normal. If you know that you’re going to have a video interview, ask a friend or family member to do a practice with you online and to note anything that you can work on. One tip is to avoid looking at yourself in the call – seeing yourself on screen can be very distracting!
And finally, job hunting is going to be more difficult during lockdown, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If you need help staying motivated in your job hunt, you can sign up for free CV feedback and coaching sessions.
