CV Advice: How to Jump-Start Your Job Search

Finding the right job can be difficult. Job interviews are hard, resume writing is confusing, and you're not sure where to even begin your employment search. Job searching seems like a daunting task that many people find too difficult to tackle on their own. But don't give up! There are plenty of resources out there for anyone looking to get employed in today's competitive market. We've rounded up 7 pieces of advice that will help jump-start your job search and get you back into the workforce in no time!

1. Change your resume to reflect the type of job you're applying for

You have to change your resume to the type of job you are applying for. Job boards typically have dozens or more different types of jobs on one site, so make sure that if you're looking for a management position, only include relevant skills and experience. You don't have to have a completely different resume for each job, but you should tailor your resume. Job boards also typically allow users to search by keywords and skills, so ensure that yours are relevant!

If you are looking for a job in marketing, include any experience you have with social media or graphic design.

But don't go overboard or try to come off as something you're not. Job boards typically have dozens of different jobs, so don't completely change your resume for each position.

2. Research the company before submitting an application

Do you know what company you want to work for, or do you submit applications in the hope of landing a job? Job seekers should always research the companies they are interested in working with before applying. This entails looking at their website, social media profiles, and even speaking to someone who works there if possible.

Researching the company will help get an idea of whether it is suitable for you and how well your skills could be utilized within that specific workplace environment. It also shows initiative, which is often looked upon positively by future employers when referencing past employees.

3. Dress appropriately for interviews

The way you dress for your job interview is important. Dressing appropriately shows the interviewer that you are serious about getting the job, and it also helps to show them what your work style will be like if they hire you.

There is no set-in-stone rule regarding how formally or informally employees should dress at a particular company, but there may be some general guidelines that can help. For example, if an office is known for being casual, people who wear business suits might get looked over, whereas someone wearing more casual clothing such as slacks and a polo shirt would fit right in with their culture. On the other hand, if workers tend to wear full-on business attire, then dressing down too much could make the wrong impression about yourself--you want to show them that you are capable of dressing up for work, not down.

So what can you do? If it is an interview for a company where the culture tends to be casual or formal, then dress in line with what employees typically wear there--if possible, try and ask someone who already works there to give the best advice about the general expectations. However, if this information isn't readily available online, err on the side of caution and go with business-casual attire such as slacks and a nice button-up shirt/blouse, which shows your dedication to getting ready properly even though you don't know their typical dress code yet. Remember: Job interviews aren't just about showing off how qualified you are.

4. Prepare responses to common interview questions in advance so that you don't freeze up when asked them on the spot

There are a lot of questions that you can expect to be asked during a job interview, and it is best to prepare some responses in advance so that you don't freeze up when the interviewer asks them. Some common examples include:

- "Tell me about yourself."

- "Where do you see yourself five years from now?"

- Why did you leave your last position?

These are just a few of the common questions that you should be prepared to respond to.

- "What are your strengths?"

- "What is an example of when you worked on a team?"

It's important to do some research in advance so that you can prepare for these kinds of questions and provide thoughtful, thorough responses. The more well-thought-out answers you have at your disposal, the better chance you will have to stand out from other applicants during the interview process. Job hunting isn't always easy but putting yourself ahead by preparing good quality insightful content positions job seekers as being someone who has their stuff together. You want employers to see this because it gives them confidence knowing they made a wise hiring decision which means less time worrying about training you up. Job hunters who are already thinking about preparing their application materials to shine during an interview will have a much better chance of getting the job than those who apply with no real effort being put into it.

5. Network with people who work at companies where you want to work, even if they are not directly related to your field

Find people on LinkedIn that are connected to someone at the company you want to work for. Reach out and ask if they would be willing to grab coffee or lunch with you sometime soon!

You have nothing to lose by asking, right? This will give them a chance to get to know you better too, so it is beneficial for everyone involved.

Another option is attending industry events in your area where recruiters may also attend - this can help put yourself "out there" whether it leads directly towards an interview opportunity or not.

6. Update your LinkedIn profile regularly and make sure it is professional-looking

Your LinkedIn profile is your online resume, so you must keep it updated. Job-seekers should try to update their LinkedIn profiles daily or at the very least weekly. Make sure your profile highlights all of your recent employment accomplishments and qualifications in a way that will impress potential employers.

If your profile is missing information, now is the time to update it. Job-seekers should also take care not to include any unprofessional photos or elements that could be viewed as offensive.

Everyone knows how important a resume and cover letter are for getting an interview, but they aren't the only tools you need to land your dream job. LinkedIn profiles serve as online resumes and allow professionals from all industries and backgrounds to network with one another on a more global scale than ever before. As such, this platform has become increasingly popular among recruiters who use it in conjunction with traditional methods of finding potential employees when filling open positions at their companies.

7. Remember that rejection doesn't mean failure – it just means the opportunity wasn't right. There's always something better around the corner!

Don't get discouraged if you don't find success immediately after your job search.

Getting employed doesn't happen overnight, so try to remain positive and see where things go- eventually, you will land on your feet. Job hunting can be tough work but is worth every step of effort put in! Remember not to give up!

You may feel like giving up at times because nothing seems to be working out for you, but now is when you should push yourself even harder than before - there are great opportunities ahead! Stay optimistic about all possibilities with an open mind and heart. Keep trying no matter what happens during this journey!

Don't consider rejection a sign that you're not good enough or capable of finding success. You may have to go through many jobs before finding one that's right for you, but it will happen if you keep going and don't give up hope! Job hunting requires time, patience, and support from those around us - this is where our friends come in handy too. Your loved ones might be able to lend a hand by giving advice on resumes or helping with job interviews- opening doors never hurts either! Keep trying your hardest even when it seems like everything has been done already because every door closed only opens another one ahead. Remember to remain positive no matter what happens during these times- something great will arise from all this struggle! Job hunting is tough, but you can do it if you stay positive throughout this process.

In conclusion, to jump-start your job search, you should follow these ten pieces of career advice. Job hunting can be difficult, but following these tips will help you get hired quickly!

Looking for more CV Advice? The UK Careers Fair is the UK's #1 Platform for Face-to-Face Recruitment Events, Job Fairs and Career Fairs throughout the UK. Attend an event and kick-start your career search today.