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Special Feature

10 ways to improve your job chances this spring!

After the January burst of recruitment activity and the inevitable slowdown that follows, many
organisations step-up their hiring once again in the Spring. It’s also the time when many people who resolved to find a new job at the start of the year but did nothing about it renew their job search.

(Picture: Photo of a woman with a surprised expression holding a lit light bulb)

But, in the haste to land your new job you need to make sure that you have covered all the bases and approach your job search in a patient and professional manner.

These ten tips will make sure that your job chances stay on the right track.

Number 1 - Develop a job search plan
The old adage ‘fail to plan, plan to fail’ is as true now as it has ever been. If you know where you want to be and the job you want, it is easier to get there. Therefore, split your job search into short- and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order to reach them.

For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find a job, the internet, newspapers?

The more you know about your goals and the more ways you search for your next job, the greater your chances of finding your ideal job.

(Picture: A woman and a man sat on the grass wearing jeans and t-shirts looking at the screen on a laptop)

Number 2 - List your achievements
Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are looking for because they need to determine ‘What can this person do for my business?’ They want to see evidence of jobs you have done that went above and beyond the basic requirements of your job role.

Look back over the last twelve months and pick out any notable successes or special projects that you were involved in – this can then be used to show an employer when you are at interview stage. After all, if you have a trumpet to blow then blow it

Number 3 - Revamp your CV
Your CV is designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at a CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell yourself.

Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables buyers (employers) to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key to attracting their interest.

Writing a winning CV can be a challenge. But, by putting the mileage in you will have a document that will make potential employers take action and invite you for an interview. Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33