Searching for a new job brings a mix of excitement and apprehension. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, following these 8 essential steps will help you stay focused and increase your chances of landing the perfect role. 

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Crafting Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. It’s crucial to spend time crafting a compelling cover letter tailored specifically to each role you apply for. Avoid generic letters – research the company and use the cover letter to explain why you’re an ideal candidate. Highlight key skills and achievements from your CV that meet the job description. End the letter by expressing interest in an interview. Proofread it carefully and ask someone else to review it before sending. A strong cover letter can make you stand out from the competition—there are some great cover letter examples here if you don’t know where to start.

Updating Your CV

With your cover letter complete, next update your CV to showcase your skills, experience and accomplishments. For each role, summarise your responsibilities and highlight achievements. Quantify them with facts and data when possible to demonstrate your impact. Make sure all the information is clear, concise and easy to scan. Tailor your CV slightly for each application to match the job description. Review the company’s website for keywords you can incorporate. Again, ask a friend or career advisor to proofread your CV to catch any errors. A polished, professional CV is a must.

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Researching the Company

Thoroughly research each company you apply to. Exploration beyond just the website is essential. Follow their social media accounts to gain insight into company culture. Search online for recent news articles about the company, new products/services, awards, etc. Understanding the company’s goals and values will prepare you for an informed interview. You can reference things you learned during your research to show your interest in the role and company. This extra effort can give you an edge over other applicants.

Preparing for Interviews

Once you land an interview, preparation is key. Carefully review the job description again and think about how your skills and experience make you the best fit. Anticipate likely interview questions based on the role and practice your responses aloud. Prepare smart questions to ask the interviewer to show your engagement. Review the company website and any notes from your earlier research. Plan your interview outfit, arrival time, and what materials you’ll bring. Being ready to discuss your background, the role, and the company will help you feel confident and relaxed during the actual interview.

Following Up Afterwards

Make sure to follow up within 24 hours after an interview with a thank you note or email. Thank the interviewer for their time, compliment the company, and briefly reinforce why you’re enthusiastic about the position. Following up is not just good manners – it also keeps you top of mind as a dedicated candidate. If you haven’t heard back from the company after one week, it’s appropriate to follow up again via email or phone. However, don’t harass the employer – just briefly reiterate your interest in the role and seeing if they require any further information from you. Persistence and professionalism pay off.

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Expanding Your Network

While applying for open roles, also focus on expanding your professional network. Tell friends, relatives and former colleagues that you’re job searching – they may know of openings suitable for you. Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking meetups to connect with people and companies in your field. Join professional organisations and follow industry leaders online. Connect with new people on LinkedIn and build out your online professional profile. You never know who may pass your CV along or recommend you for an opportunity. A strong network improves your chances.

Acing Online Assessments

Many companies now use online screening tests and assessments during the hiring process. These may involve personality tests, skill assessments, scenario judgement tests and more. Research the types of tests you may encounter and practice similar sample questions so you know what to expect. Read the instructions carefully and answer honestly. For personality tests, self-awareness is key. On skills tests, doublecheck your work. Practice tests reduce anxiety so you can perform your best. Strong assessment results keep your application moving forward.

Staying Organised

With so much happening during a job search, it’s essential to stay organised. Keep a spreadsheet to track job listings and application due dates. Create folders for each application to store correspondence, notes and materials related to the role and company. Set up job search email alerts and designate time on your calendar to apply, follow up and prepare for interviews. Organisation reduces stress so you can focus on landing the perfect job.

Staying positive and proactive while following these key steps will empower you during your job search. With preparation and dedication, you can find the ideal next role for your career. Best of luck!

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