Elevate Your Odds: Strategies to Land That New Job

Unemployment is on the rise all over the world, but the situation is not as dire as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, the unemployment rate is currently 3.8%, which is lower than the pre-pandemic level of 3.5%. However, the unemployment rate is still higher in some countries, such as Spain (13.3%) and Greece (12.7%).

The sectors that are most affected by unemployment are typically those that are most reliant on face-to-face interaction, such as hospitality, retail, and travel. These industries have been hit hard by the pandemic, as people have been less likely to go out and spend money.

However, there are some signs that the economy is starting to recover. In the United States, job growth has been strong in recent months, and the unemployment rate is expected to continue to decline in the coming months.

Strategies Overview

• Research and Network: Dive into your desired industry, gather insights, and connect with professionals. Networking can open doors to unadvertised job opportunities.
• Refine Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each application. Highlight relevant experience and achievements that make you a standout candidate.
• Master the Art of Cover Letters: A personalized cover letter can showcase your passion and understanding of the role and company.
• Develop Soft Skills: Communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are coveted by employers. Enhance these skills to be more marketable.
• Stay Updated: Regularly upskill by attending workshops, courses, or webinars in your field to remain competitive.
• Practice Interviewing: Prepare answers for common interview questions and role-play with friends or mentors to build confidence.
• Use Multiple Job Platforms: Don’t rely solely on traditional job boards. Explore niche job sites, LinkedIn, and company websites for listings.
• Maintain an Online Presence: Keep your LinkedIn and other professional profiles updated. Share industry-relevant content to showcase engagement.
• Seek Feedback: If you’re not landing interviews, ask mentors or peers for feedback on your application materials to identify improvements.
• Stay Persistent: Job hunting is often a numbers game. Apply widely, learn from feedback, and remain persistent in your efforts.

Being unemployed can be daunting and the prospect of securing a job in the near future might seem bleak. However, while certain industries face challenges, others are flourishing. Opportunities exist, potentially paving the way for a career shift. Here are strategies to help you seize one of these roles.

Update Your Resume

With so many people looking for jobs, your resume has become more important than ever, and if you are looking for a career change, you’ll need to use it to sell yourself, highlighting relevant experience and transferable skills. It can be worth using a resume service to help your application get to the top of the pile.

Take Your Time with The Cover Letter

Cover letters are massively underrated. If you are applying for a specific job, you might not feel as though you need a cover letter. You do. Your resume is a list of your skills, education, and experience, but your cover letter is your chance to sell yourself. To explain why you are right for the job, and how your key skills fit, even if it isn’t immediately clear from reading your resume.

Make Your First Impression in Person

Your cover letter makes your first impression if you apply for a job online, or post in an application. If at all possible, making your first impression in person can give you a better chance of success. 

Perfect Your Appearance

Whether you are handing in an application, asking about positions, or attending an interview, your personal presentation is crucial. Make sure you are well-dressed and groomed. Stand tall with your head held high, and offer a strong and confident handshake. Your application, resume, and cover letter should also be neat, tidy, and well-presented. 

Get Networking

Don’t just think about what you know or what you can do, think too about who you know. Get in touch with people that you have worked with in the past, use LinkedIn to build connections online, and don’t be scared to ask about available positions. 

Don’t Leave a Gap

If you are unemployed, a gap in your job history might be unavoidable, but how you use that gap is key. Take courses, volunteer, learn new skills, and add them to your CV. Don’t waste your time. 

It’s Easier to Get a Job When You’ve Got a Job

You might want to hold out for your dream job, which is fair enough. But, most people find that it is easier to get a job when they have a job. You might want to take something that isn’t ideal for the time being, while you search. Even a part-time job, leaving time to attend interviews could work.

The New Job Search

Don't waste days, weeks and months following the job search "rules." Learn how to take charge and get offers for the work you love at the price you're worth.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart.com

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.