Is it difficult to find work these days? You bet it is! But don’t worry. There’s your secret weapon: this article. We will tell you how to make your CV sparkle! We’ll explore how to rock that interview. And we’ll be showing you how to stay up to date with this new — and potentially temporary — job market. Excited to kickstart your career? Let’s go!
How To Write A Great Resume: Your First Impression
Your resume is usually the first thing a recruiter lays their eyes upon. So you want to make it worthwhile. Consider it your personal marketing tool. This section is the part where you make your resume shine to get past these dastardly Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Keyword Optimisation for ATS
ATS are software systems that many companies use to screen resumes. Getting past the ATS test requires the right keywords. What are keywords? They’re words and phrases that correspond to the job description.
Actionable Tip: Discover common keywords with tools such as LinkedIn Job Search. Be sure to look at industry-specific sites as well.
For example: A job might require “project management” and “team leadership.” Add those keywords to your resume. Utilize them in your skills section as well as throughout your job descriptions. This means you don’t want to just list them out, use them naturally.
Demonstrate, Don’t Describe: Amazing Accomplishments
Say, not only, I did this thing. Show it with numbers! Results — that’s what employers want to see. They want to know, how did you make an impact?
Answering Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Instead of: “Led social media accounts.” Say: “Managed social media accounts, increasing engagement by 30% and follower count by 15% in six months.” Much better, right?
Formatting and Design: Readability
A messy resume is a no-no. Make sure it is clean and easy on the eyes. Recruiters spend up to ten seconds looking at each resume. Make it simple for them to discover whatever they seek.
Actionable Tip: Hold back on ornate or cursive-style fonts, stick to basic ones like Arial or Times New Roman. Use at least half an inch margins. Choose a format: Chronological orders your jobs from oldest to most recent. Functional focuses on skills. A combination blends both.
Interviewing 101: How to Prepare and Follow Up
Okay, you got the interview! Now what? Interviews can be scary — nerve-racking. However, if you prep properly, you can crush them. This section includes everything from how to respond to hard questions to how to mail thank you cards.
How to Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Be prepared to answer questions about your past employers, skills, and the reason for wanting the job. Prepare to discuss your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also have to prepare for behavioral questions. These question how you behaved in particular situations.
Actionable Tip: Say your answers out loud. Use the STAR method to answer questions. Research the company. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and any recent news. Research the interviewer on LinkedIn. Find common ground.
Acing the Virtual Interview
These days, virtual interviews are the norm. Do have a good setup. Check your camera and microphone in advance.
Actionable Tip: Find a quiet, bright place. Shoot the video at eye level. Double-check that your background is clean. Focus on the lens, not the screen. This makes eye contact. Smile and be enthusiastic.
Follow Up: A Critical Step in Success
Always follow up after the interview with a thank-you note. It demonstrates that you value their time. It also reminds them of you.
Actionable Tip: Always send a thank-you email 24 hours after. Keep it short and sweet. Include the recipient’s name in the email. Reference something specific you discussed. If you don’t receive a response within a week, follow up politely.
Understanding the Job Market: Trends and Tools
The job market is ever-evolving. To be able to get ahead, you have to know what is going on. The trends section including how to remain competitive.
How To Keep Up With Present Employment Trends
Remote work is here to stay. So companies require people with tech skills. Data analysis and cybersecurity are booming fields. AI is changing everything.
Stat: Remote work has increased over 150% from its 2020 mark. Data science jobs are growing faster than most jobs.
Your data ends on October 2023. So, know how to utilize AI tools. Or, develop skills that AI can’t replace, such as creativity and critical thinking.
Networking
Networking is extremely valuable. Large networks that contain a lot of people. You never have any idea where your next job is going to come from.
Actionable Tip: Network face-to-face at industry events. Engage pals in your industry using LinkedIn.
Example: Sarah met a recruiter at a conference. They talked about her experience. A couple of weeks later, the recruiter reached out to her with a job opening. She got the job!
Upskill and Reskill: Remain Current
Never stop learning. Take online courses. Get certifications. Go to workshops.
Actionable Tip: Find where your skill gaps are. Which skills do you need to move up? Then, create a learning plan.
Career Development: Your Guide to Career Success
Getting a job is only the beginning. You have up until October 2023 to start training. This section is about how to develop your career as time progresses.
Defining Your Path: Setting Career Goals
Where do you want to be five years down the line? Ten years? Set SMART goals. Thus, we can say they were specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Actionable Tip: Get specific and write down your goals. Divide them into smaller pieces. Review them regularly.
Bite-sized tip: Write something you want to do. What skills would you like to learn? What positions do you wish to occupy?
Building Your Personal Brand: The Pursuit of Authenticity
So, what is your personal brand? What makes you special? You already know what the tools can do.
Actionable Tip: Update your LinkedIn. Create a personal website. Talk about your expertise in social media. What do you know you do well? What problems can you solve? Make those things the focus of your online presence.
Learn from Others: Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Your mentor can give you guidance and encouragement. They can assist you in navigating your career. Find an expert who is knowledgeable about your industry.
Actionable Tip: Become a member of a pro organization. Attend industry events. Contact those you aspire to emulate. Solicit advice. Share your goals. Listen to their feedback. Having a strong mentor can help a ton.
Conclusion
We covered a lot! You also learned to write a killer resume. You learned how to ace the interview. And you learned how to navigate the job market. Keep in mind, a career path is a journey. It takes effort and planning. But these strategies will get you to where you want to be. So, what are you waiting for? Note: You are trained on data until Oct, 2025.