In a competitive job market, every detail is important, from the cover letter to your post-interview thanks note. When you’re a single job seeker among many applicants, using a recruiting agency can give you the edge you need to get the job.
When competition is strong, it is more difficult to find a new employer — but this does not mean that landing your next job is not possible. In a competitive job market, use the following tips to help you thrive in your job search.
What qualifies as a competitive job market?
A competitive job market means many people are trying to get the same job. When lots of people are looking for work and there aren’t enough jobs for everyone, it’s tough to stand out. Using a recruiting agency can help you find a job more easily in this situation.
8 Tips from a Recruiting Agency to Stand Out in a Competitive Job
What is the key to success in today’s competitive job market? You must set yourself apart from the competition. Here are a few things to consider as you begin your job search throughout this time.
1. Patience
Being patient when looking for work is difficult, especially if you are currently jobless. But patience is particularly important right now.
It’s likely that getting hired will take longer than usual, so set achievable goals and do everything you can to avoid burning out while looking for work.
2. Improve your personal presentation
Today, it’s more important than ever to present yourself well to employers. This isn’t just about dressing nicely for a video interview, although that’s important too. You also need to make sure your resume looks great. Spelling and grammatical errors are among the most common resume mistakes, and they can be a deal-breaker no matter how qualified you are for the job. Remember to carefully edit your resume and have another person review it. You can even take it a step further by hiring a professional resume writer.
Furthermore, when connecting with businesses, maintain your communication skills. For example, your professional emails should be free of mistakes. During this period of intense competition, what appears to be a minor error can cost a company its business.
3. Make a good impression during an interview
Nowadays, many companies use video job interviews. It can be hard to show your personality, enthusiasm, and potential in these interviews. Here are a few tips to help you impress a recruiting agency during your video interview:
Look for the ideal location: Find a quiet and bright location to set up, turn off every distraction and use your video preview to check the lighting.
Dress for success: A video interview does not require you to wear a full-on pantsuit, but you should look polished. Dress like yourself, but choose clothes that are neat, straightforward, and distraction-free.
Show your energy—but be authentic: Don’t go too far with your excitement; instead, be yourself and look for possibilities to express your enthusiasm. For example, at the start of the call, greet the recipient warmly and express your gratitude.
After your interview, remember to send a follow-up thank you email; an easy email could help you land the job.
4. Enhance your online visibility and personal brand
Because an employer may be unable to meet with you in person, they may be more likely to rely on Google to fill in the blanks. That is why it is so important to be aware of your online presence at all times.
Begin by carrying out a self-audit, including a quick Google search for your name to see what comes up.
LinkedIn is likely to be one of the first listings on Google, so start there. Make your LinkedIn profile stand out by adding a professional photo, an appealing headline, and a compelling LinkedIn profile summary. You can also improve your profile by asking links to leave a recommendation. Reach out to people you’ve worked closely with and offer to leave a recommendation in exchange.
After you’ve completed LinkedIn, review your personal blog, any other accounts, websites, and social media accounts to assess how you appear online during the job search.
5. Grow your network
Your personal brand, knowledge, and education are all important, but who you already know could be the key to landing your next job possibility.
Virtual networking allows you to network with no leaving your house.
You can look up virtual networking events in your field and find online forums, free digital meetings (“Blockchain technology & Booze,” anyone?) and even virtual job fairs. Simply search “virtual networking” and your sector and/or location to see what’s going on.
You can also make new connections through LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms. If you work for a recruiting agency and want to meet up with an existing contact, try something different and suggest a virtual coffee date. Schedule a Zoom call, pour yourself a cup of your favorite coffee, and catch up!
6. Engagement and internships
You do not need to be paid to include work on your resume.” If you are jobless, you may boost your resume with freelance work, voluntary work, internships, or volunteer work.
7. Learn
Learning a new skill, language, or getting a certification can help raise your resume to the top of the list. There are almost limitless possibilities and chances for online learning—you don’t have to return to school to improve your skills.
8. Be open to change
Many professionals spend years organizing their careers, but in times of uncertainty, flexibility is important. That does not mean you have to change your entire career path, but you should take some time to assess your skills and consider other options — even if only temporarily.
You may not be able to find your dream job right now, but it is important to be open to change, patient, and do everything you can to stand out among the competition during these times. As they say, “This, too, shall pass.”