The prospect of job hunting in 2021 can be filled with uncertainties. As unfortunate as it is, this year, fresh graduates will be competing for fewer positions. There has been a significant decrease in the internship and placement opportunities compared to the last few years.
This declining trend is likely to continue at least for the beginning of this year. As such, you need to make the most of your downtime to stand the best chance of getting hired. We have drawn on our career expertise to come up with a few tips that will help you prepare for your job search.
1. Polish Your Resume – Both Online and Offline
It is common knowledge that the job market has been slow. However, recruiters are looking to see how you used the extra time you had to improve yourself. Make sure that your resume and your LinkedIn profile reflect any recent work you took upon.
Did you take on any paid or unpaid projects? Did you try freelancing? What online courses did you take to enhance your skills? Any task you did to benefit yourself or your community can find a place in your resume. These accomplishments will help you stand out from other candidates.
Also, give careful attention to your resume’s design and layout to create a visual impression on your recruiters. A well-written, error-free resume can instantly get you on the good side of the recruiters.
2. Create a Bot-Beating Resume
Recruiters are increasingly relying on the applicant tracking systems to sort out any unsuitable candidates. As such, it is paramount that you tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This means you have to include relevant keywords so that the resume beats the ATS bots.
If you need some help in this regard, you can and should reach out to get professional help from career advice experts. These days professional resume building services can help you not only to build a resume but also to offer you other career resources. For instance, they can connect you with the right recruiters and offer you career guidance in terms of training or work experience. It is well worth investing in them as they can increase your chances to land a job.
3. Build Your Professional Image
Since you are only entering the job market, it is important that you look the part of the job you want. This means you have to be extra cautious of the image you project. This includes not only your job profiles but also your social media accounts. Be careful of the content that you leave open for others to see.
Recruiters have included social media screening as a part of their process, and your posts could cost you a job. Before you start sending resumes out, review your privacy settings to know what your potential employers will be able to access.
4. Register With Recruitment Agencies
Agencies, unlike online job portals, are looking for people to represent. They will also know where the high demand is and can nudge you in the right direction. If possible, you can look for a specialist recruiter in your respective industry.
Working with a recruitment agency can also allow you to choose a job that matches your requirements, such as specific hours and the work-life balance. That said, bear in mind not to excessively hassle the recruiters. Fix a regular time for contact and make sure that you are at the front of their mind.
5. Up Your Networking Level
Thanks to the never-ending confinements, people continue to be more accessible these days. Do not miss out on this perfect opportunity to reach out to new contacts or reconnect with the old ones.
While at it, do not start a conversation indicating that you are desperately looking for a job. Instead, let the conversation take its natural flow. If you have fallen out of touch with your classmates, or alumni, send them greetings, politely enquire how they are doing. The goal is to keep your relationships intact.
In case you are looking to build new professional associations, scour the internet and social media for opportunities. The networking events have shifted online, and the location is no longer an issue for you to attend these.
6. Stay on Top of Job Listings
Regardless of whether you are working with a recruitment agency, make sure that you have a visible profile across all types of job listings. Some are general, whereas you will also find platforms that cater only to specific industries.
If you come across a job opening that interests you, go to LinkedIn to check if you have any contacts at the respective company. This will be highly beneficial to connect with the right person at the firm. You can also do some additional research to find out about the hiring manager.
7. Prepare for Video Interviews
If you have successfully reached the last stage of the hiring process, it is time to get ready for the interview.
While doing an interview from home might be more convenient, you should also put in sufficient preparation to create the right setting. This also means ensuring that the interviews go without any technical difficulties.
Hiring experts recommend that the space is well-kit and distraction-free. This also includes turning off your mobile phone or to the very least, keeping it in silent mode.
First impressions still count – so be sure to wear office-appropriate clothing. Have all the important documents in front of you, such as any work experience certificates, online diplomas, and your CV. This can help you answer more promptly if asked about your student years or internship.
Wrapping Up
The job market might be tough, but as a fresh graduate, you have the flexibility to choose a job that aligns with your career goals. Think about what kind of firm you want to work for, and how you can fulfil your dream. Always do your homework: learn about the company and the employer. Once you have found the right fit, follow our tips and start applying for jobs.
