Hays’ Jason Walker gave some great advice in a recent article on Silicon Republic, in relation to job hunters failing to land interviews. Are you still waiting on that dream interview? Take a look at the article below and it might help you figure out why!
Job searching can be tiresome, especially when it feels as though you are spending all your time firing off applications, yet not getting any interviews as a result. Rest assured, this is a situation even the most determined job seekers sometimes find themselves in.
They update their CV and online profiles to highlight recent successes, they spend hours searching and applying for jobs – and yet the phone just won’t ring. Does this sound like you? Then perhaps you are making one of these mistakes.
A scattergun approach
If you are applying here, there and everywhere for any role that relates in some small way to your expertise and experience, without stopping to consider what you really want, checking that the position is right for you, and tailoring your application to show why you are right for the job, then you are unlikely to receive an interview.
Trust me, a hiring manager can spot a generic CV and covering email or letter a mile off.
Your social media presence is letting you down
It’s not enough to have a LinkedIn profile that you update whenever you remember to. Savvy job seekers use social media to its full potential when looking for a new job.
For example, they:
- Follow the pages of the companies they would like to work for and keep an eye out for vacancies.
- Consistently engage with their network by posting, liking, sharing and commenting on relevant content.
- Connect with recruiters (once they have updated their privacy settings) and start a conversation.
- Ensure all of their profiles are aligned in terms of employment dates, job descriptions, areas of responsibility and so forth.
- Add links to provide evidence of their work.
You are hiding behind a keyboard
Job sites and professional social networks are great places to find jobs, but always remember the importance of face-to-face interaction, starting with your immediate network of friends, family and former colleagues.
Could any of them make some introductions or give you some advice? Offer to buy them a coffee and start the conversation with them.
Sign up to free networking and industry events. These will often take place first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day, making it easier to attend if you are already employed.
You have job seeker burnout
As I said at the beginning, job searching can be wearing, especially when your efforts have been fruitless so far.
This may spur you on to apply for even more roles, which will only serve to make you feel more drained, a feeling that will be reflected in the quality of your applications.
So, adopt a more organised and balanced approach, setting aside time slots on days where you feel more alert, such as on the weekend or at the beginning of the week.
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