We are often told that the most successful applicant is the one that stands out from the crowd, with some candidates going to extreme lengths to do so. Whilst certain industries lend themselves to a bit of creative flair, personal billboards, craft beer CVs, and Lego interns won’t work for everyone. Equally, the truth is that most recruiters aren’t interested in gimmicks; they just want to know if you’re right for the role. Therefore, don’t waste time on the unexpected. Instead, pay attention to what the recruiter is actually asking for and make your application memorable for the right reasons.
It’s the law of averages, right? The more CVs you send out, the more likely it is that you’ll get a response. Though this works in theory, the reality is that scattergun approaches might hurt your chances of success. As employers grow more reliant on AI and algorithms, your CV needs to be a living document that adapts to the requirements of each role. To stand a chance against the machine at the other end, you must tailor your CV to the keywords in the job description.
The adage is that it’s “all about who you know.” This isn’t bad advice in and of itself. By leveraging your network effectively, you can discover opportunities outside of the usual channels. Yes, you should be proactive. Attend events in your industry, follow up on encounters, and don’t be afraid to reach out. However, it’s important to be strategic when you do. Evaluate who will be useful to you and assess where you stand with them. It’s okay to be direct with your regular contacts, but you’ll need to nurture the relationship with others. Above all, don’t jeopardise a potential lead by asking for too much too soon.
This one is hard to hear, especially when you know how many hours you’ve put into your search. The current climate is tough for job seekers and can be difficult for those who haven’t experienced it to understand. Nevertheless, Don’t let yourself get talked into a rut. Keep reflecting and recognise when an approach isn’t working. For some, this might involve casting a wider net and considering alternative roles or industries. For others, it will mean scaling back on volume and focusing on refining the quality of each application.
Additionally, we know that keeping track of all the moving parts of the job hunt can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built the RoleCatcher platform, to help you stay in control. You can search across multiple job boards, optimise your CV with keyword suggestions, and organise your contacts according to their recruiting potential. We keep things simple so that you have time to focus on the things that matter. Get started for free today.