1. Map out a timeline for your job search 

Set out a timeline or a plan of action to benchmark your career goals and what steps you need to get there. Those who often layout their strategies on pen and paper tend to be more successful in reaching and exceeding their expectations. Focus your efforts into improving the credibility of your Resume, LinkedIn Profile, Interview Approach etc. instead of spending extra time focusing and trying to excel at just one.

Decide how much time you are willing to invest in identifying favourable employers, completing assessments and tackling interviews. Design your plan, have patience, prepare accordingly and above all be proactive. 


2. Broaden and develop your skill set 

Make use of this time by actively taking up some online courses or obtaining a certification to boost your resume and hone your skills. Many platforms such as Havard, EDx, LinkedIn are now offering free coaching and accredited courses during this crucial time.

You can gain new transferable skills in wide range of fields such as social media, coding and report writing. Try and participate in webinars, live streams on YouTube and online masterclasses where experts share their knowledge and expertise. You can turn this crisis into an opportunity! 


3. Get social and strengthen your connections 

Many other employers and job seekers also have some spare time during this current period, so be sure to aggressively connect and reach out to others in your field and and in the fields you would be keen to enter. Many companies hire through employee referral, so be sure to connect with those that work in your prospective companies.

Join virtual networking events and professional group chats to broaden your network and job search opportunities.


4. Prioritise your time each day 

Set aside some time each day to apply on job sites and for networking. You can plan a time slot that is convenient for you that you can stick to work throughout the week.

Motivate your self every day and reference back to your job search timeline to stay on track.


5. Update your resume and online profiles

Take the time now to make your resume visually more appealing, correct all the grammar and make sure you update all your new skills and certifications. Revamp your LinkedIn profile. More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn! Get proactive with your networking on LinkedIn, it will help you to scout more vacancies and also boost your chance of being asked for an interview.

Another great tip is to revise and update your Resume and Cover Letter for each and every Job application. Find out more about a job posting and the employer and add those relevant key points to your Resume and Cover Letter. This highlights your application to the employers and pushes you in front of the other candidates. 


6. Conduct a self assessment

A key aspect to a successful job hunting is conducting a self assessment. Do you think you’re pursuing the right the career that is befitting to your personality, your hobbies and interests etc? Some questions you can ask yourself is what kind of traits, technical skills, transferable skills do I posses? What skills, experience and qualities  does an ideal candidate posses and am I on par with those?

When you go for an interview your potential employer would want to know more about who you are, what qualities you posses and what you can contribute. So give this some thought and be confident in stating your passions, hobbies, skills, aspirations etc. You can also practice this out loud. 


7. Never give up 

There does come a time when you feel like giving up after putting in a lot of effort and time into your search. Don’t worry you’re not alone. All you need to do is take a step back and have a look from a fresh different perspective and know that there are always people there to help you.  Take a short break from your job search maybe even a few days off, so when you get back to it you feel refreshed and can tackle it more proactively.

If you’re sending you Resume and Cover Letter to everyone and not getting back a response, try and make huge changes to standout. Think about networking more instead of wasting time in applying to random jobs.

Keep your head up, take it easy, and don’t give up. Your dream job awaits you here. Post your Resume here and start working at your new job today! https://www.hravailable.com/post-resume