Boosting Your Chances of Getting a New Job

Thanks to COVID-19, all over the world, unemployment is reaching a record high. People across the globe are being made redundant as their employers struggle to keep going, and businesses in industries like hospitality and travel are being forced to close their doors. Suddenly, there are fewer jobs available in some of our most popular sectors, and more people applying for them. 

If you are unemployed right now, it might be scary. You may find it hard to imagine being able to get a job in the coming months, and you may feel desperate. 

But, it’s by no means impossible. While some industries are struggling, others are thriving. There are jobs available, even if it means a career change. Here are some tips to help you to get one of them. 

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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 to 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 CV 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 CV.

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.

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