Two essential tips to help you secure a job interview
Two powerful but often underestimated CV tips to help you secure a job interview
Have you been applying to a lot of jobs but still haven’t landed any interviews? Does it seem like you’re either ghosted by employers or rejected without an explanation? Firstly, you are not alone, finding a job in the current economic climate is tough, it’s very competitive out there. Layoffs and recession fears remain prevalent across multiple sectors and employers have choice and are hiring more cautiously than we have seen since 2020.
The good news is there are two simple things you can do to kickstart your job search.
Here are two quick fixes that might help you secure an interview.
- Create a focused job search strategy
A successful job hunt requires a targeted approach. Rather than applying for every job you see, focus your job search on roles you are genuinely well suited for, want to do and salary/logistically works for you.
If a job role requires direct experience and you only have transferable skills would you be better off using your time and energy applying for a more suitable position? If the job adverts state transferable skills are considered it might be more worthwhile applying. Contrary to popular opinion, applying for a new job is not a numbers game. Be strategic in your approach:
- What do you really want to do? Consider the different elements of a job you enjoy, what areas you are keen to develop and any tasks or responsibilities you would rather not have to undertake in a new job. Apply for roles that meet your expectations.
- Then start your research to identify jobs that fall in line with your aspirations. LinkedIn and Job boards are a great resource to see what is out there and what meets your expectations. Specialist Recruiters should also be available to advise and support you by sharing their insights and knowledge of a job role or industry.
- Research companies you would like to work for and start to follow, like and share their LinkedIn posts to keep up to date with their news and business. Keep an eye on their careers page and check out what they look for in their hires.
- Contact the companies you want to work for. If you have people in your network who work in these firms or have connections utilise these. You can enquire about their hiring process and ask if they have any suitable live roles that fit your goals and if you can share your CV. I would suggest creating a target list of 10 to 15 companies and you can add to this over time.
I also don’t encourage people to be online searching and applying all day every day, it’s exhausting and can be demoralising. Checking for online job opportunities three or four times per week is enough. Once you have clearly defined job search objectives, it will be easier to concentrate your efforts in the right space and stay motivated.
- Your CV
Your CV is the tool to get you the interview. Ensure your CV reads well and has NO spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Content is key, a good visual layout is nice to have (unless it’s a creative role when its more important). However the CV applications are being selected, if you have the right information, it’s readable and you meet the criteria for the role, you should be a contender for an interview.
Your CV needs to include:
- Your key skills – check the job description to ensure you share all your key skills that meet the job outline. These can be listed and if you have space, you can also include examples.
- Your work experience and achievements, ensure you include any details relative to the job and industry you are applying to. For example; if you are going for a sales role employers often want to know your sales revenue numbers, if it’s a marketing role share information on the systems and programs you have used or if it’s a job in aviation highlight any work you have completed in this area before. Check the job spec before you press send on your application.
- Education details are great to see on a CV, again it adds personality and for some jobs, it’s essential to see.
- Hobbies and interests are great to add character to your CV – do you play chess, walk the dog, are you a river swimmer or do you spend spare time standing pitch side supporting your kids…..the space can indirectly show relevant skills to the position.
- Any additional information around certificates (first aid etc), training courses, IT skills and programmes you can use is important to highlight on your CV.
- Try and keep the CV concise, 2-3 pages max. Ask other people (with good attention to detail) to read through your CV. It’s worth investing time to get it right.
Your CV is the tool that can secure you an interview – make it shine and stand out.
In this competitive hiring market, it’s not enough to just submit a job application and hope for the best. You need to be strategic and proactive and dedicate time and energy to each application to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Contact helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk if you would like help with your CV, or job search strategy.
Jackson Barnes Recruitment delivers international recruitment solutions within the events, media, and publishing sectors. Jackson Barnes places Graduate to MD level in the following positions:
- Researchers
- Conference producers
- Event Marketing professionals
- Sales professionals – delegate, sponsorship & Business Development
- Event Managers
- Editors
We recruit for organisations in the UK and overseas with success in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia.