Brush up on your job hunting skills
Are you currently looking for your next job? If so, there is a lot that needs to be taken into account. From your CV to your cover letter, there are many things you must get right if you are to impress. Of course, you also need to consider what type of job is right for you – something you will excel in and enjoy. It is a big step in anyone’s life, yet it can be incredibly exciting if you get it right. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the biggest mistakes you need to avoid when looking for a job.
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Take your eye off the competition – This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. An employer isn’t going to consider you if you are a clone of everyone else that has applied. As recruitment collaborators will say, you need to make an effort to distinguish yourself from other jobseekers. You will put yourself at a distinct disadvantage if you simply fall in line with what the rest of the competition is doing. Not only should you think about your experience and skills, but your key achievements too. These are things you have done that are out of the ordinary or have made a different. After all, your competition is likely to have had similar responsibilities, but your achievements are unique.
Forget that times change – You may have expectations that are unrealistic if you have not been in the job market for a few years. It is easy to assume that the job market is the same as when you last looked for a vacancy. However, the job market is changing all of the time. It is advisable to gain an understanding of the modern job market. If you take an enlightened approach, you will be much more likely to position yourself effectively in the job market going forward.
Applying for every job you come across – It is easy to understand why people would do this. They are desperate to find a job, and so they think that the best approach is to apply for every position they come across. The truth is; quantity over quality rarely works. You will lose focus if you approach the job search like this. Instead of adopting such a scattergun process to the job application process, take more time on few vacancies.
Overlooking transferable skills – One thing employers look for are transferable skills. These are skills that enable you to transition from one role to the next. For example, if you were looking for a retail buying position, yet you did not have any experience, showing that you have negotiation and analytical skills will prove beneficial. Some examples of common transferable skills include research, communication, listening, delegation, time management, motivation, and leadership.
Fail to deliver a clear message – Employers are not interested in everything that you have done. They want to know where you have added value. It is up to you to make them see this; they should not have to digest the information you are supplying. You need to be careful and considered regarding what you reveal, ensuring everything you say is relevant to the job position.