Is the idea of starting a new job search overwhelming? Are you sitting in front of your computer worried about where to even start? The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to getting yourself ready to find your new dream job. Here are 5 things you can do to prepare.
1. Decide what you want
Think about what you enjoy about your current or previous roles and things you would rather avoid in future roles. What kind of company culture are you looking for? Is there a particular industry you would like to work in? What industries do you not want to work in? Knowing what you want going forward will allow you to avoid wasting time applying for jobs that don’t interest you or aren’t what you’re looking for.
2. Update your CV
Make sure that your CV is up to date with your most recent work experience and education history. If you’ve done any training since your last job application, make sure to add this on your CV. Add any important new skills you’ve acquired in your recent roles. Also make sure that your CV is eye-catching and well laid out. If you need a CV refresh, consider getting it professionally edited and formatted. This will make it quick and easy to make any new tweaks before you send in your final applications.
3. Update your social media
Just as you’re researching the companies and recruitment agencies you’re applying to; your recruiters are researching you. Make sure that you have control over what they see by making sure that your social media is professional, neat, and reflects who you are. You don’t have to portray yourself just as you are in the office. It’s important to still be human and show your interests. You should, however, make sure that you remove anything that you feel might make people hesitate to hire you. Give yourself the best chance possible at looking like someone people want to work with.
4. Prepare common interview questions
You should immediately know your answers to questions like ‘tell me a bit about yourself’, ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years?’, and ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses?’. In fact, here is a list of some frequently asked interview questions. Have your answers to these ready so that when Recruiters or Hiring Managers ask you about yourself, you know exactly what to say. This will make you look proactive, eager for the job, and will help the person hiring see whether you would be a good fit for the company you are applying to.
5. Tailor your applications
Don’t just use the same approach for every role and hope for the best. Be intentional with your applications. Make sure that your cover letter, intro, skills, and application email are edited with the needs of the role in mind. Read each job spec or advert carefully, make note of what the recruiter is looking for, and make sure you highlight these on your CV and in your correspondence.
Summary:
By preparing before you ever send your first application, you give yourself a head start. Knowing what you want will help you avoid applying for roles you’re not passionate about. Having your social media up to scratch will help your personal brand and give potential employers an idea of who you are. Preparing your CV and interview questions will make it easy to make small tweaks before applying for each role. Give yourself a head start and make your job search as easy as it can possibly be.
