We know that the job hunting process can sometimes be a little daunting, so to help get you started we’ve put together this handy checklist. Feel free to save a copy of it so you can keep an eye on your progress. We also go into more detail on each of the points below.
1. Get your CV up to date
Make sure you’ve added any new qualifications or experience to your CV. A top tip is to include all the different positions you held at the same company. This is a great way of demonstrating your progress to recruiters.
When sending out an application, it’s worth sitting down with your CV and the job description and adding more detail to any skills and experience particularly relevant to the job. Remember, there’s no need to list every job you’ve ever had if it’s not relevant to what you’re applying for.
Try and put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes and think about what would particularly stand out to you when hiring for this role. We’ve got some more tips on putting a top CV together here. When it’s ready, remember to upload it so you can be found by recruiters.
2. Get notified of new opportunities
It can be tricky to stay on top of all the new opportunities that are being advertised. Make sure you don’t let your perfect job slip through the net by setting up alerts.
You can set up alerts by job type, category, preferred salary and location. Set up multiple alerts to broaden your search and you can view and edit them from your InAutomotive account.
This is a worthwhile step in your job hunt as being the first to know about new opportunities gives you a headstart in putting an application together. Getting your application in early is a positive signal to the recruiter that you’re organised and excited about the opportunity. It also means that you won’t miss out if they end up hiring someone before the application deadline.
3. Send unique cover letters
With so much competition out there, it’s important that you do everything possible to stand out from the crowd. If you’re sending out a generic cover letter to every job you’re applying for, it’s unlikely that you’ll impress recruiters.
Your cover letter is meant to introduce your application, so give recruiters a reason to look at your CV. Demonstrate that you’re actively interested in the industry and that you’re excited about the role. Always try to focus your application on what you can do for the company rather than what they can do for you.
4. Find out what Google says about you
It’s important to clean up your online presence before you start sending out any applications. A recruiter will almost certainly do a quick search for your name on Google if they are considering inviting you for an interview. Make sure they won’t come across anything inappropriate. You might find that pictures from social media accounts come up on an image search, so don’t forget to check this too.
5. Make social media work for you
According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder, the majority of recruiters will check your social media accounts. Use this to your advantage and showcase your achievements and interest in the industry. Follow industry leaders and share any related news you’ve been reading recently. Adjust your bio section for each account if necessary and consider updating your profile pictures if they aren’t very professional.
Start engaging with posts by the companies you’d like to work for and get yourself on their radar. When they see your application, they will already have a good impression of you.
6. Become a LinkedIn pro
LinkedIn is your top online tool if you want to stand out to recruiters. It also presents a great opportunity to expand on what you’ve included on your CV. Update all your experience and skills. If possible, get endorsements from past or present colleagues.
Start making connections with people you’ve worked with in the past and start following companies you’re interested in. Engage with their posts and share any interesting and relevant articles you come across.
7. Keep up with who’s hiring
Do you have a dream employer that you’d love to work for? Make sure you don’t miss any opportunities by creating alerts for those employers. Any new jobs will be delivered straight to your inbox. Take a look at our featured employers to find out what your options are.
8. Find a proofreader
Ask a friend or a trusted colleague to go through your application with you before you send it off. Spell checking tools are great for picking up little mistake but they aren’t accurate all of the time. Easily missed spelling or grammatical errors are enough to put a recruiter off, so getting a second pair of eyes on your application can be really valuable.
They may also be able to suggest other ways to improve your application. Maybe you don’t put enough emphasis on a certain bit of experience or perhaps you could improve your formatting.
9. Create a schedule
One way of making your job hunting experience more manageable is to create a schedule for yourself. Setting aside a bit of time each day and making a bit of progress step by step, can make the whole thing a bit less daunting. By not letting yourself get overwhelmed by the task, you can retain your perspective and return with fresh energy every day. Channel that energy into your applications and recruiters will be much more likely to take notice,
10. Keep at it
Unfortunately, you probably won’t get the first job you apply for. There is some fierce competition out there but remember to stay positive. If you get your CV and cover letter in shape, set up alerts and maintain a professional online presence, you’ll be in your perfect job in no time.
Image credit: Edubirdie
