Applying for jobs can be stressful and disheartening. You put all your time and energy into an application for your dream job, only to be rejected at the first hurdle. Or maybe you make it to the interview stage, but your nerves and inexperience scupper your chances.
It can sometimes feel like everyone else is better qualified than you, more charming to potential employers, with CVs stretching to the floor with relevant job experience. But this is all just negative self talk. By putting yourself down, you will be less confident in your application and reduce your chances of success. It’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat when it comes to job applications. And there are plenty of ways to make yourself more employable.
The following article lists a few ways you can improve your chances of landing your dream career. By upskilling, working on your confidence, and finding strategies to beat the system, you can make yourself more appealing to employers and have the job offers rolling in.
Hone your application
Do you find yourself being rejected before you’ve even had an interview? If so, the problem lies in your application. Work on your CV and cover letter to ensure your application impresses any potential employers. Tailoring your application for each job is essential, as a cookie cutter resume will not help you stand out. Keep your application concise and to the point, as most recruiters have to read hundreds of them a day. Keep it relevant to the role, and make it easy to find the most important points. All they want to know is that you have the experience and qualifications to do the job.
Upskill yourself
The more experienced and qualified you are, the more likely you’ll be to receive a job offer. If you are being beaten by more qualified candidates, all you need to do is upskill yourself. Enrol in training courses and workshops to boost your knowledge and skill set. There are plenty of industry-specific courses and programs designed to help individuals progress in their career. For example, if you are interested in working in emergency care, you could enrol in a paramedic program to kickstart your career.
Work on your confidence
Lack of confidence can be a killer when it comes to job interviews. You might be the perfect candidate on paper, but if your nerves get the better of you at the crucial moment, you could fail to impress a potential employer. There are several ways to boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Keep a growth journal to document your thoughts and feelings, practise positive self talk, and work on your mental health as a starting point. But the main key is practice. The more you put yourself out there and undergo the interview process, the better at it you will become.
Be patient
As long as you have the skills for the job and you work hard at the process, the right job will come along in the end. You just need to be patient and never give up. You will find your dream career before long.