Avantika
In today’s highly competitive job market, job seekers are constantly looking for ways to improve their employment opportunities. While many people rely on traditional and effective job search methods such as online job boards, there are a number of positive strategies that can help job seekers stand out from other applicants and increase their opportunities to find employment. In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to explore 6 effective techniques and practical tips on how to get a lot of job opportunities.
1. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for a job, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specific job description.
Here are some tips:
- Read the job description carefully and note the qualifications, skills, and experience required for the position and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly.
- Companies frequently use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to help your application get through the ATS screening process.
2. Prepare for Interviews
Preparing for a job interview and making a good impression is crucial to increasing your chances of getting hired. Some steps you can take:
- Find out as much as you can about the company you’re applying to first before going for an interview. Visit the company’s website, read its mission statement, and learn about its products or services.
- Read the job description carefully to understand the job requirements, duties, and responsibilities to prepare you for the interviewer’s questions.
- Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company, the position, and their expectations. Hiring managers appreciate applicants who have made the effort to learn about their company and arrive at an interview well-prepared.
3. Follow Up After Interviews
Sending a thank-you email after an interview is a great way to keep yourself in the mind of the hiring manager.
Some tips:
- Send a thank you email to the interviewer, ideally within 24 hours of your interview. Thank them for the interview, and their time and restate your interest in the job.
- Always be brief, professional, and courteous. Avoid being pushy or overly forceful, as this can harm your chances of getting the job.
4. Network Effectively
Building a strong professional network can open many doors as well as help you gain valuable industry insights.
Some tips:
- Join industry-specific professional associations.
- Attend events such as job fairs and industry conferences to meet people in your field. Be sure to have some business cards handy.
- Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and alumni to expand your professional network.
- Develop a professional elevator pitch by crafting a brief, compelling statement that summarizes your professional identity and what you can bring to a job. Use your elevator pitch during networking events to make a strong first impression.
5. Create a Personal Brand
Creating a strong personal brand is another technique that can help you stand out from the rest of the crowd and improve your employment opportunities. Consider what sets you apart from other job candidates and how you can leverage your strengths, unique skills, and experience to enhance your professional brand.
Some tips:
- Social media can be used to engage with others in your industry. Make sure your profiles are consistent and reflect your professional identity. Create a bio that highlights your skills and experience.
- Share relevant articles and insights, and comment on other people’s posts to build your brand.
6. Use LinkedIn to Its Full Potential
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers and can be used to your advantage in a number of ways, such as building your professional network, finding job opportunities, and showing off your skills and experience.
Some tips:
- Build a strong profile. Your LinkedIn profile is your professional brand, so make sure it’s complete and well-crafted. Use a professional headshot, create a strong headline, and include a summary that highlights your skills and qualifications.
- You can also use LinkedIn’s job search function to find job openings and set up job alerts to receive notifications when new positions are posted.
Final thoughts
Improving employment opportunities as a job seeker may be challenging to many, but with persistence, a positive mindset, and going about it the right way, you could be well on your way to landing the job you’re after.
