09 May 2023
If you're struggling to get the job you really want, whether it's a promotion, a career change or a simple side-step, we have a few sure-fire tips to help increase your chances:
1. Update Your CV
Always remember that your CV should be updated every few months with current achievements/progress in your jobs so that it's almost always ready to be sent to recruiters. If you have any doubts about your CV's quality, ask for some help. This is nothing to be embarrassed about, everyone has their doubts from time to time, and a fresh pair of eyes can always make a difference.
Whether you approach a friend or colleague, just ask for some advice on a) how it looks / the format, b) how it reads / how your grammar is and c) does it say enough about you to help you get the new job.
We always recommend asking a recruitment professional to give your CV the once-over, and we offer this service on the site.
2. Tailor Your CV to the Job
Are you ensuring your CV or application is geared towards the job you are applying for? Time and time again, we see people sending CVs which, whilst formatted well and written perfectly, do not reflect the skills or experience a recruiter is looking for. You should always ensure your CV, as a minimum, shows you have the qualities the recruiter has asked for! The same goes for completing application forms - make sure you talk about your skills in the way they ask for them, so they can see how you match the skills for the job.
3. Brush up on Interview Techniques
If you're out of practice or not getting positive results from the interviews you attend, then there's probably something to fix. Remember, practice makes perfect, so long as you're practising correctly. Again, ask a friend to interview you so you can benefit from the feedback you need, but also, if you have access to an HR or recruitment professional, make sure you ask them instead.
Here at Our Bob, we offer interview coaching services to help you understand your mistakes and how to correct them. This is deliberately set at the low price of £80 to ensure as many people as possible can afford to benefit from our experience.
4. Do your Research
Find out what you can about the company you want to work for so you can understand fully what they do and their values and ethos, then try and build what you find into your application. This can involve reflecting on how you have demonstrated their values in your CV or asking relevant questions at the interview. This helps recruiters see you as a perfect match.
Recruiters want to know that you are enthusiastic about joining their company and will fit the company culture well. Researching and demonstrating that you fit the company ethos and values is a significant step toward being selected for the job.
