Job Hunting Tips: 5 Things to Get You Going

Let’s say it like it is – the today’s job market is overcrowded with competent, experienced and qualified jobseekers that surpass the number of jobs on offer.

That realization alone prompts a very disturbing fact and sends an insensitive but a very realistic message alerting everyone looking for a job in this economy; the message reads: “To win, you must stand out”.

Is the pressure almost unbearable? Yes, it is. Will it pay off it in the long run? Absolutely.

What Do The Hiring Managers Say?

Essentially – to consider (and hire) an applicant – they look to spot excellence in the candidates, expected to stand out through a notable, striking presentation of their skill-set and an active and positive engagement in their field of interest.

The market as it currently is tends to be very saturated; in the constantly-growing community of highly-trained, specialized professionals who are vigorously offering a diversity of skills in a multitude of areas, choosing the right candidate may pose as a bit of a challenging task.

Added, spotting a fake one is even more challenging. Desperate to get a job or simply delusional about the qualities they actually possess, most potential employees tend to force a chameleon image, one where they’re trained for everything, can do anything and would work under any conditions their employer demands.

The reality of things is that 30% to 40% of the candidates disappoint since they are insincere about their sensibilities, real expectations from the job and about the actual quality they bring to the table. For that, the HRs and recruiters had to tighten their filtering processes and raise their hiring standards to challenging levels.

This is precisely why the candidates who are serious about getting their positions should invest a little more in their professional presentations than clicking “Apply here”.

If you are job-hunting and are keen on getting the position you have trained for, we’re giving you a few key pointers and interview tips that may help you learn how to get hired without breaking a sweat.

Hint: it’s all about a good strategy and a little behind-the-scenes engagement.

1. Meet Up With a Recruitment Consultant

Assuming you know what your desired career path is, one of the best ways to explore your job opportunities would be to meet up with arecruitment consultantand discuss your options.

You can still stay engaged in finding the job yourself by sending your resume out to companies you feel fit your desired expectations but a recruitment agency may do a better job simply because they specialize in doing just that.

Talking to a recruitment consultant may give you a broader perspective and help them filter through and narrow down the job selections that align with your profession. Remember, they have connections with major firms, organizations, and entrepreneurs and often have information on job vacancies that are not even on the job market yet.

Added, they’ll additionally offer help in coaching you on how to stand out in an interview which is a win-win situation.

2. Give Your Resume the ‘X’ Factor

Put your best foot forward in designing your resume as this is the first impression you’ll leave on your potential employer. Do have in mind that everyone is sending out generic CVs, neatly lined out, updated and, well – common. This is your chance to make an impression and wow the HR.

Depending on your profession, design your CV in a way that best portrays your skills, creativity, and imagination. If you are a tech expert, design a futuristic CV or a tech-optimized CV that will best express your skill-set and aptitude for innovation. Include QR codes, engaging visuals, infographics, etc. – whatever element describes your professional interests best.

If, potentially, you do have a great idea on how to make a great resume but are unsure how to deliver, consult with those who specialize in writing CVs; they’ll either teach you how to make your CV stand out or create one for you following your directions. You want to be memorable, and this is the best, initial way to do it.

NOTE: In having your CV designed don’t let it be illiterate, in-your-face and confusing; anything that’s forced and unreadable will be immediately dismissed.

For greater chance to get hired, sign up for free at Anomadic, where tech talents will find an amazing offer that will help to get a scoop on the position suited based on CVs and qualities. Similar filters are available for other niches, too.

3. Be the One to Suggest Testing

Once you get the interview, the best way to show your potential employer you are serious about the skills you offer is to be the first to offer your skills get tested, even if it were in an on-the-spot manner.

That way, you are leaving an impression of a serious, committed candidate who isn’t afraid of a challenge, believes in their professional capacities and is willing to share them. If you are familiar with the recruiting dynamics of the firm you are sitting your interview with, surprise them with something unusual. For instance, bring the latest sketch of the App you are working on developing and discuss it with them on an equal-level basis.

Treat them like your partners, not your potential employers. Be the one to challenge them before they challenge you. Offer to send them your previously published work before they ask for it themselves or bring the work in a form of a presentation. Discuss with them. Get engaged.

In trying to get a job, being neutral is just not an option.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Most job interviews come to an abrupt ending when the managers don’t get quizzed by the candidates; this often happens because the candidates don’t want to seem too pushy or ungrateful. While the “No, I’ve got no questions for you” treatment may have worked in the past, today’s climate is all about showing you are in charge.

So, next time you are across of your potential employer, don’t be afraid to ask things on your mind. Some of the best questions for interviewer are:

• What would you expect me to do within the project you are launching?
• Would I be at liberty to introduce a different operating dynamics if it shows fit for the project?
• What would you change about the way I performed at this interview?
• Do you feel I am in with a chance at the job?

In taking matters into your own hands, your interviewers will be impressed with your initiative, valor and gall.

NOTE: A range of other questions you deem fit work as well as long as they are professional and based on solid, company-relevant information.

5. Dress the Part

Although we’re currently embracing the climate of “the appearance doesn’t matter”, truth is – the appearance does matter, at least in an interview.

No, we’re not suggesting your physical features will land you a job or get you fired; we’re talking about basic personal hygiene and the way you present yourself to your potential employer.

The way you are dressed speaks volumes about your respect towards the party you are meeting with and is leaving an immediate impression, even before you get to say “Hello” to everyone in the room. Don’t ever underdressed for an interview and make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and neat.

Conslusion

Regardless of your skill set, years of experience and capacities you know you possess, you must be prepared well, knowledgeable, and most importantly – confident.