How to stand out in a tough job market
At Burton, Bolton and Rose, we recognize that the job market at the moment is getting very tough. Unemployment is on the rise and redundancy is a real possibility for many. Because of this we thought we would give you our top tips on how to stand out in a tough market, so here they are:
Strategy
Be strategic about your applications! One thing we frequently hear from candidates is that they have “sent out hundreds of applications” but have “not heard back!” In this market this ‘go for everything and anything’ approach simply does not work and you will end up very frustrated.
Passion
Now more than ever you need to show real passion for the job you are applying for when you get an interview. We often get feedback from employers that candidates we’ve submitted for roles don’t seem ‘enthusiastic’. People getting jobs at the moment are the ones who come across as passionate about the role, industry or the company they are interviewing for.
Flexibility
Be flexible around your expectations to give yourself the best opportunity to get a new job. With the current market being so tough for job seekers, it’s wise to think about what is important to you. Is it salary? Is it hybrid working? Is it sector? Is it progression in the long term? What’s important differs from person to person but in a difficult market it’s important that you have a flexible attitude.
Assessments
Be prepared for assessments, we are seeing more and more employers using different ways to assess and measure candidates, especially where there are lots of applications for a position. These could be mental agility tests or personality quizzes. Also to stand out in this market make sure you write a bespoke cover letter for each job you apply for, never ever use an AI generated one. In the cover letter make it clear you have the skills and experience needed for the role.
Research
Make sure you research the organisation you are applying to, this includes social media pages. Candidates that are well researched will have far more to discuss in the interview and will stand out amongst the crowd. Another good thing to do is to look up the person who is going to interview you on Linked In.
Speed
We often find that the first people to apply for a job are the ones who secure the interviews due to the high level of applications employers receive. Many employers close applications after receiving a certain number of CVs. Maximise your chances of securing a role by being the first to the post by signing up for job alerts from Agencies and job boards.
Finally, the support of a local Agency like ourselves who know the market and our clients can assist you in your job search. Here at BBR we can guide you through the recruitment process and ensure that you are given all the tools to make you job search successful!