The modern job market is tough, and it is only getting tougher. In today’s market, there are several challenges that job seekers face which mostly boil down to a lack of access to opportunities.
Even with the proper qualifications, suitable training and passion, it can still be tough to compete in the current saturated jobs market. Therefore, understanding and preparing for these problems is essential before searching for a job.
A Couple of Solutions:
First Impressions
To begin, you need to find a unique way of presenting yourself to the employer to ensure that you are considered the most suitable person for the job.
According to the Recruiter Sentiment Study done by the MRI Network in 2017 found that amongst recruiters, 63% of them said that the candidates not being suitable was their biggest problem.
This statistic shows that, sadly, it’s not always the best candidates that are considered; it’s often the quickest and most convenient!
You may be the best person for the job, but unless you can correctly convey that to the interviewer clearly and coherently, your chance of securing the position decreases significantly.
With roles that can often be popular openings, there’s likely to be some tough competition. So, if you see a position that seems perfect for you and your ideals, take the initiative and be confident in your application.
Your CV
Your resume is your first point of contact with the employer. Before any interview is arranged, this is your first impression.
According to a study done by the Ladders: Career Advice using eye-tracking software it was found that a recruiter makes up their mind about a candidate by scanning their CV for a measly 7.4 seconds!
With a limited time to impress, there’s certain key points to include on a written CV that, although may seem standard and commonplace, will definitely make a great impression on potential employers:
- Ensuring the information on your resume is accurate and up to date is a must.
- Including a profile/boilerplate at the top of the page with all your contact information.
- Make proper and professional layout decisions. Short, snappy sentences are key.
- Include the right number of relevant keywords in proper context.
- Create bold subheads for job titles, noting experiences and describing your suitable skills.
The aim of these simple, yet crucial points is to optimise your CV to catch the eye of your next potential employer whilst simultaneously making an instant good impression.
