By Nadia Zulhasni, MSc International Management
As someone who is graduating within the next few months, I understand that ‘adulting’ can be tough and searching for a job can be challenging and time consuming. The leap that you have to take from graduating into work life feels huge, so I don’t find it surprising that candidates are scouring the internet for hours, days and even weeks for some effective job hunting tips!
We no longer need to be told to proofread CVs and spend time writing a cover letter for every application; we’ve heard that a gazillion times before. Instead, implementing some lesser-known strategies can help you gain a competitive advantage over other applicants. Below are some of the tips I’d love to share:
- Apply for several jobs; do not restrict yourself in one sector
It is great to be selective but you should also be open to new opportunities! Send as many job applications as possible to maximise your chances of being called for an interview. Scout out as many relevant opportunities as you can. It is crucial to set a target and track your progress. Whenever possible, make timely follow-ups contacting the prospective company’s HR department.
- Tailor your CV; it shows that you are serious about the specific vacancy
Relevance is crucial when applying for any job because no two jobs will be exactly the same. The recruiter is more likely to notice you if you specify your wants and skills suited for the company and position that you are applying for. You should always try to match your skills, education background and experience with the position you are applying for to stand out from other generic applications.
- Use various sources for your job applications
Job websites are a great source of vacancies and should definitely be utilised, but do not restrict yourself on applying through these platforms. Many adverts on major job sites receive extremely high volumes of applications which means that there is a higher tendency of your CV to be overlooked. Online networks or social media platforms are also great alternatives for you to connect with prospective employers. I manage to stay connected with many professionals in my home country of Malaysia through LinkedIn.
On top of the above, you should utilise as many opportunities as possible from the University such as the Careers Service and the Employability Hub in Management School. With their help, I successfully landed my third sector paid placement, which gave me great experience and looks great on my CV!
Finally, best of luck to all the students out there that are close to graduating and entering the job market! It’s a difficult time, but your hard work will be rewarded in the end!