7 steps to effective job hunting in a post-pandemic world
1. Timing is key
It’s important not to rush at the job search. Specialist recruitment consultants can help you refine a sense of your target job. So to help you get the best out of the experience of working with a recruitment consultant, slow down, take time to look at yourself; consider how to summarise your strengths.
2. Be your own brand
Think about what you're selling. How can you can build up your personal image and be your own brand? Have you narrowed down what you're looking for? What job titles are relevant to you? Have you listed your main skills? Do you have evidence of achievements? Which employers appeal to you and why?
3. Get ready for rejection
Even in a bull economy, rejection is common; in today's uncertain economy you are likely to hear 'no' a lot more than you hear 'yes'. To maintain your confidence, it’s important to cultivate resilience. Talk to recruitment consultants about dealing with knock-backs and developing strategies for carrying on.
4. Be prepared
Polish your CV until it shines – think about every part of your experience, including volunteer work, studies and skills outside of your normal area of expertise. Use our CV writing guide to help you squeeze the most out of all your achievements and present them successfully.
5. Hone your main messages
Anyone who recommends you, including a recruitment consultant, is likely to pass on three or four items of very important information about you – your experience, ability and personality. You have more control over this process than you think. Scrutinise the first few sentences of your CV. Do they create a positive, memorable and clear soundbite? How likely is it that someone will repeat this information? Do you make clear what you have to offer and the kind of role you'd like to fill? Emphasise these messages in your CV, social media profile and how you present yourself when networking.
6. Do your homework
Research potential employers thoroughly, and if you're called to interview make your research even more thorough. As well as using the organisation's website – try to speak to people who are already working there to find out what the culture of the organisation is like, and what they are trying to achieve.
7. Develop your interview skills
Interviews are hard enough to get; don't waste them by making basic errors. Use our guides to interviewing face to face, via video call and over the phone to perfect your
interview technique. And remember, practice makes perfect.