Stop looking for that 100% perfect role…and 4 other tips.
I have over 30 years interview coaching and recruitment experience. Hard to believe from my website photo’s I know…or should that be I wish?! Either way, here are 5 ideas to to help you with your current job search. Starting with, accept that your 100% perfect job doesn’t exist.
1) Accept that your perfect job doesn’t exist.
This is a tough one, but sadly especially true in this market. There are fewer roles out there, and no opportunity is 100% perfect – all roles have pluses and minuses. What sounds great in an advert, might not be true in reality. For example your team may have difficult colleagues or clients, or a culture that doesn’t suit you.
So be practical. Don’t expect an ideal opportunity, but evaluate the positives and negatives of each application. You’ll probably expand your horizons, and reduce unrealistic pressure – win win!
2) Adverts sell roles
Clearly adverts should not misrepresent a vacancy, but what is left out is important! Just as no job description is 100% accurate all of the time. The former are often are written by recruiters who may not understand all aspects if the role; and the latter by HR or a Manager working from an out of date template. Job titles aren’t totally misleading, but the same title can (and often does!) mean two different things in different companies.
My advice is to treat the advert/JD as a guide. If you have 70% or more relevant experience, and the role sounds good, then it’s worth progressing. You don’t need to know it all, and companies like to hire people who are genuinely excited by new challenges.
3) Look beyond online adverts
Of course online adverts are an obvious source of vacancies. And yes, definitely apply to roles which appeal. But they will also be obvious to all of the other candidates looking for work. In this market a lot of companies will advertise directly using their company website. So, head to individual websites – narrowed down by sector, location etc - where the listing is more up to date and accurate. Yes, it’s more time consuming, but it shows the hiring company that you have initiative and are tenacious; and there won’t be as much competition. Another win win!
4) Tailor your CV to each vacancy
This is a biggie! So many people only have one version of their CV – the thought process is get the CV done, and then start applying. With the high volume of people applying for roles, unless your CV stands out, it will be rejected very quickly. So tailor your CV for each application to make sure that skills and keywords in the advert/JD are included, as are relevant achievements. The best you for each role, highlighted so that the recruiter has no option but to take your application to the next stage. It doesn’t matter how good your interview skills are if your CV is not getting you there.
5) Don’t forget that cover letter
Your CV should sell your application. And the cover letter is another opportunity to do that. You should take the chance to remind them of your relevant skills and experience, and also achievements. And why not also highlight why you want to work there – their products, achievements, reputation, etc. A genuine and thoughtful cover letter can help you get to the next stage in the recruitment process.
We all know that it’s a very tough market in most sectors. And a lot of the recruitment process is out of your control. Hopefully the above tips will help you take ownership of the parts you control, and also explore different options.