2020 has been a difficult year. The current pandemic means that many industries have taken a hit and businesses have had to make redundancies. Those looking for work might find that opportunities are harder to come by and the few jobs out there are more competitive than ever.
But don’t be dispirited. There are still plenty of opportunities to sink your teeth into. You might just need to be a little creative. So, here are 5 ways to improve your job search.
Get a website
When you’re looking for a job, you need to know how to promote yourself. And what better way to do that than build your own website? This can be like a digital version of your CV. It’s a place to show off your skills and experience. You might start creating content, blogging or offering advice. Plus, regular traffic on your site proves that people value what you have to offer. If you’re not sure how to create or boost your own website, check out https://www.fastfwd.com/digital-marketing/ for more information.
Perfect your CV
We all know how tedious writing a CV is. You might find that you’re constantly editing and tweaking, tailoring your CV to match the job specification. But it’s important to get your CV right. Research finds that an employer will look at a CV for approximately 3 minutes or less. After all the time and effort you’ve spent on it, that can be pretty frustrating. So, what’s the answer? Simply that your CV needs to stand out. Avoid typos, clichés and weird layouts. Don’t simply list your skills and experience. A great CV includes tangible experiences and examples. And don’t forget to check the job specification so your skills match.
If you aren’t using LinkedIn for your job search, you’re missing out. Most industries rely on LinkedIn for recruitment, and you can indicate on your profile that you are looking for opportunities. LinkedIn can be a great place to network and connect to employers. So, use it properly. Spend some time organising your profile and listing your experiences. Ensure you have a professional picture. Don’t sit idly, waiting for someone to message you. Reach out to people in a professional manner and make your presence known.
Use your contacts
You’ve probably made plenty of contacts during your working life. Now’s the time to use them. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Connect with old colleagues or acquaintances on LinkedIn and ask if they know of any opportunities. The world of work is often about who you know, so a recommendation could be a huge help. There’s nothing wrong with using your contacts and accepting help.
Clean up your social media
The modern world can be difficult to navigate. It’s completely legal for employers to check out public social media accounts before hiring, so you may need to have a clean up. Think about how your profile could be perceived. Avoid drunken or inappropriate pictures and try to keep it professional.
