It can be hard to know where to start when you are beginning a job search. You may have a specific role in mind for your career path or be looking for a wider industry search. It can be quite daunting when you consider the number of potential jobs you may have to sift through on job boards, web searches or on LinkedIn.
There are a few steps you can follow to make your job search more focused on roles that would suit you. Take a look at the below points to consider when applying for roles.
Read the job description
Have a look through the requirements and qualifications the company are asking candidates to have and make sure you align with what they are looking for. This can save you a lot of time and effort when applying to many different jobs, as you can focus more on opportunities you are likely to be interviewed for.
Read the requirements
Different companies will have different policies when it comes to applications. For most job boards you simply require a CV to be submitted, however it is important you read through the advertisement to see exactly what is required to do when applying. Some companies will also ask for an additional cover letter, and not attaching this may then affect your chances when your candidature is being reviewed.
Be selective
How selective or open to different roles you should be when applying for roles can be hard to decide on.
Look at the level you are at in your career in regards to the experience and skills you have acquired, and how applicable it is to other industries and roles. When looking at job advertisements consider if you are over or underqualified for the role, as this can save you time when sending out applications.
Tailor your applications
When applying to specific roles, it helps your chances to have a CV or cover letter that matches exactly what companies are looking for. Consider tailoring your CV to the kind of role you are applying for. For example, make sure you highlight any skills that are specific to what the hiring manager has asked for.
Try a recruitment agency
My last note would be to try registering with a recruitment agency. If you are looking for a specific role or industry then this may be the best option for you, as a lot of agencies will specialize in a particular industry or recruit for specific roles. If you have the right experience then this could be a great option for you, as recruiters will be able to reach out to you for the kind of opportunities you have let them know you are interested in. This can help you save a lot of time in your job search, with your recruiter lending a helping hand and coming to you with opportunities!