It’s time to boost your chances in getting your dream job and changing your life this year. Here are 7 tips on how to boost your professional presence and make yourself more employable.
1. UPDATE YOUR LINKEDIN
You’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard of this social media account. It’s the best site to engage with employers and search for jobs. You’ll be able to find your former colleagues and establish new contacts. Plus, you can sign up for notifications for jobs so you won’t miss anything. Make a suitable and professional account without inappropriate posts.
2. UPDATE YOUR CV
This may seem like a simple idea but it’ll go a long way. Make sure your CV is current and up to date. Add every relevant project that relates to the job that you are interested in. Tweak it for the job you are interested in and it’ll make the job see that you’re the right person who put effort in their application.
3. KEEP LEARNING
You are never too old to learn a new skill and it’ll impress potential employers. There are so many free classes online that you can try or even a class at college. Research skills that are relevant to the job that you are interested in and get to learning.
4. DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT
First impressions definitely count, so you want to make a good impression on the interview and your professional social media accounts. Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want an employer to see. Even if you get a zoom interview, make sure that you are dressed smartly and not in your pajamas.
5. FIND OPPORTUNITIES YOURSELF
Give yourself the best opportunity by approaching individual companies you’d like to work for or ones that are already recruiting. Take the initiative and beat competition by speaking to these companies first. You’ll appear more employable and most will appreciate the extra effort.
6. NETWORKING IS KEY
You can start with LinkedIn, but joining forums and professional groups online in your industry. Facebook has a few, if your profile is professional enough. It’s great to meet new people and hear about new opportunities. With social distancing, your online presence is everything and must not be controversial and unprofessional.
7. KEEP POSITIVE
Anyone who has been job-hunting for a while knows how hard it is and how easy it is to feel discouraged. This can come across in interviews and some people can tell if you are feeling under confident. Try being positive or just fake a smile until you feel better. Sometimes it can actually help to make you feel happy. Remind yourself that you are talented and you’d make a great asset to any company.
Words by Kat Howard
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