10 ways to improve your chances of securing your dream job

In an unstable economy, where job losses and rising interest rates add to the challenges, pursuing your dream job may feel daunting. However, we are here to provide you with practical solutions. We have compiled 10 invaluable tips to help you navigate through these difficulties, overcome obstacles, and achieve your career aspirations. Discover how to stand out from the competition, seize opportunities, and move towards a successful future. Check out the infographic below

1. Research, research, research: Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to research the companies you’re interested in. This will help you understand their culture, values, and what they’re looking for in a candidate. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages, and Glassdoor. Search for key members of staff on Linkedin – have they been at the company for long? Have they been promoted in that time? Do they share any industry knowledge or insight that could be leveraged in the interview process?

2. Create a tailored CV, cover Letter & video: Your CV and cover letter are usually the first impression that an employer will have of you. Make sure they are tailored for each application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Depending on the position you’re applying for, a short video introducing yourself and why you’d like the chance to interview for the role will separate you amongst the rest. It adds personality to your application, as well as showing you’re willing to go the extra mile. If there is no room to add the video to the application, then reach out in a separate email and send a link to the video.

3. Enhance your job search with specialised recruitment services: Boost your chances of success by leveraging specialised recruitment services like Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Managed Service Provider (MSP). While these services often operate behind the scenes under the brand of the recruiting company, they offer valuable resources, connections, and expertise to support you throughout the hiring process. By tapping into the network and power of a third-party recruiter, you can gain access to a wider range of job opportunities, enjoy streamlined application processes, and receive personalised professional guidance tailored to your career goals. These services act as your dedicated allies, empowering you to navigate the job market more effectively and increase your chances of securing your dream job.

4. Take an online course, relevant to the job: Always seek to improve your skills. This could be through taking professional courses, attending seminars, or reading industry-related books. Upskilling shows employers that you have a proactive approach and are committed to your career development. Taking a course doesn’t have to occur at the beginning of your career either, learning and development is always useful, no matter how far along you are in your personal career journey.

5. Adding company employees on LinkedIn: You may have to tread carefully with this, but adding 1 or 2 members of the team on Linkedin and sharing subsequent knowledge on your feed is a great way to position yourself as an expert in the field and show a desire to work for the company.

6. Optimise your online presence: In today’s digital world, employers often search for candidates online before deciding to interview them. Make sure your online presence is professional and reflects positively on you. We tend to suggest locking personal social media accounts, but encourage having a “business” social media across Twitter, as well as, Linkedin.

7. Interview preparation: Interview success isn’t just about answering questions correctly. It’s also about showcasing your enthusiasm, your understanding of the company and role, and your interpersonal skills. Research the company, practice answering common interview questions based on the industry you’re entering, and make a list of questions to ask the interviewer.

It’s worth answering each question with real life examples; describe the issue that you were faced with, the circumstances within that issue, what you did to resolve it and what the final outcome was.

One underrated factor of interview preparation is learning who will be interviewing you. Try to find them on LinkedIn or elsewhere online and check to see if you’ve any middleground in interests, industries worked in or even mutual work colleagues. If you fall a little short on the experience front, winning over those interviewing you may keep you in the race.

8. Showcase your skills: To ensure a smooth transition into your new role, it’s essential to highlight your transferable skills and develop soft skills. Transferable skills are those acquired from previous roles that can be effectively applied in your new position. These include leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management, showcasing your ability to adapt to new working environments. Equally important are soft skills such as time management, task organisation, and collaboration across diverse teams. By combining your transferable and soft skills, you’ll stand out as a highly desirable candidate in any competitive job market.

9. Ensure professionalism at all times: This applies to all stages of the application process. Communicate professionally, dress appropriately for interviews, meet all deadlines, and follow up with a thank you note. These actions show respect for the employer and demonstrate that you are serious about the job.

Ensure your email etiquette is professional and polite. Always make sure you look someone in the eye when answering them, visually show that you’re listening and understanding their question. Address them directly. Non-verbal queues are critical to building trust with those interviewing you.

10. Be patient but persistent: Remember that securing your dream job can take time. You might face rejection or periods of uncertainty. But it’s important to stay patient and persistent. Keep refining your strategy, keep applying, and keep believing in yourself. The right opportunity will come along!