It can be hard in today’s competitive market to land a new job. You are often dealing with tons of other extremely well-qualified candidates, and it takes quite a lot of effort to stick out from the crowd. However, there is also the possibility that you may be approaching the job search and the application process is not the best of ways.

Today, we are going to look at 5 aspects to keep in mind that can really turn things around for you. 

#1. Proof of Skills is Greater Than a Flashy Resume

One of the easiest ways to get noticed by a company or an interviewer is to prove that you have the skills to do the job that you have applied for. People have gotten very good at writing great resumes but forget that companies have also gotten really good at sniffing out big talk. 

Filling up your resume with “desirable terminology” may work to some extent and even land you some interviews, but it is unlikely to convert to an actual job.

Depending on the field that you are in, it can be a great idea to create a public portfolio of your sample work. For example, if you are a software developer, it is now a must to have a GitHub profile that features projects and programs that you have successfully completed. 

If you are a writer, it really helps to maintain your own personal blog that you regularly update so that when you apply to a company, they have more than just a bunch of qualifications and skills to judge you by. 

In the modern world, it is essential that you prove that you possess business skills that translate across the globe. Don’t limit yourself to roles in your city, state, or country. If your skills are good enough and if your field supports working remotely, you should seriously consider international roles.

#2. Give LinkedIn a Try

While traditional job search platforms are still the most popular way to find positions to apply for, one place that people tend to overlook is LinkedIn. It may seem more of a social media platform for companies and employees, but a lot of people have found jobs by including LinkedIn as part of their job search resources.

Some LinkedIn tips to remember include setting up your profile and about-me page to present a modern and professional image. Ensure that your work experience is up to date and includes any relevant items that prospective hiring managers might find interesting. 

The good thing about LinkedIn is that it allows people to make a more personal connection when compared to the clinical and impersonal nature of most conventional job sites.

#3. Interview Skill Can Make A Big Difference

Getting good at giving interviews is a skill that everyone should hone. Think about it. The skill of convincing one or more individuals that you are worth hiring and paying is not something that comes naturally to most. It requires a good deal of confidence, communication skills, and charisma to pull off.

These days, there are a number of ways to work on this skill. The first one would be to make it a habit of attending as many interviews as you can. Don’t attend them with the mindset of trying to get the job but attend them with the purpose of practicing how communication works in an interview. 

This gives you real-world experience and exposure to the different types of questions and expectations that interviewers have.

Another option would be to sign up for some of the many courses that you can find both online and offline that train people in the interview process. This might seem a bit overkill, but knocking an interview out of the park is an effective way of making up for any minor area that you lack in terms of your qualifications or skills.

Some companies would rather hire a slightly underqualified candidate if they get the impression that he or she would be a good fit in the company or work culture.

#4. Go The Extra Mile in Job Hunting

Sometimes, it is not enough to just apply to the usual job listing sites like Indeed or Monster. Sometimes, going beyond what other candidates do can be a game-changer. For example, it is not uncommon in the copywriting field for people to directly email or contact hiring managers or CEOs with very attractive propositions.

These usually involve offering to work for extremely low rates as a sort of trial where their skills can be evaluated and judged in the context of the company’s unique operations. Some believe this is going too far, but if you are really struggling to find a job, there is no reason not to give this method a try. 

Remember, not all companies are actively hiring, but if they are convinced that you would be a good addition to the team, exceptions are often made.

#5. Make Use of Connections and References

Ideally, people like to make a career of their own merit, and the thought of using connections to influence the hiring practices of a company can feel unfair when you think of other candidates. However, it is a dog-eat-dog world, and if you don’t have any qualms about taking advantage of friends or family that are well-connected, this can be one approach to try.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that finding a job is hard work. At times, it can feel like no matter how many applications you send out, no one is interested. When you are in such a situation, try not to lose your heart. Instead, try some of the tips that are mentioned in this article. You may find them to be quite effective. 

Additionally, do keep in mind that it is possible that you are looking for a role in a very specific niche which makes finding a job difficult. Try broadening your field of view and see if that helps. You may also be applying for roles that you don’t quite meet the expectations of. 

Try applying to positions that you are more likely to get. It may take some time, but if you are intelligent and serious, you will land a job sooner than you think.