job searching can mean to be stressful, especially when sending in applications anywhere and everywhere turns out in vain. You sit tight eagerly waiting for a response on your email or phone call but nothing comes. Many people have given up, while others have pressed on and finally acquired their dream jobs. Sometimes it needs persistence as you take on courses and training to make you a better job candidate. However, being strategic about your job hunt can revive you and give you the drive to keep going. Here are things to do while looking for work; Make your CV standout Jeanne Abatesi, a communications specialist says to utilise this period to make your CV exceptional from the crowd. For instance, your CV must include your skills and key accomplishments as these are expected to attract the recruiter and grip their attention. “Also make it a point to include results in your CV. If possible, use data. Explain your growth, change of roles, and accomplishments, this can give recruiters a reason to choose you instead of other candidates. If you networked with others in your career journey, feel free to include it as well, as it will show how a great communicator you are,” she says. Take an online course Abatesi stresses that in order to stay relevant in your domain, pursue an online course to hone your skills either in a fresh course or a new one. “This will keep you more knowledgeable as you learn new things you didn’t know about. It also keeps you motivated to get ready for any job that can come your way. But think of the confidence it comes with when you’re more skilled. Of course, every recruiter would love someone who is more skilful in a number of areas.” Take some time off She carries on that it can be tiring waking up to search for jobs every single day especially if you have a financial responsibility to cater for. She therefore urges taking some rest and caring about yourself, by having enough sleep, eating well, and exercising to be healthy. According to the Muse, take time to check in with yourself: What would you love to do in an upcoming role and what skills do you possess. Once you have some clarity, get back to the search, but this time, be strategic, if a job does not rank as a nine out of 10 in terms of both your level of excitement and competency, then it’s not worth applying for. Start a blog Ruth Imbabazi, a business manager in Kigali notes that it takes a short time to start a blog, think of creating one where you can write and report about what is happening in your industry. That’s one of the ways you can market yourself to employers because you will be viewed as an expert in your field. Read job descriptions thoroughly She says to make a list of all the potential job titles you would be fascinated about. Then, start searching for these titles on LinkedIn, and other online job boards. Click on the jobs that appeal to you, irrespective of the location, salary, or experience. Be aware of the qualifications employers are looking for in specific titles. Knowing exactly what is needed can prepare you to include the necessary requests in your CV. Crosscheck your social media profiles and posts Imbabazi states that companies make research about the candidates suitable for the new role. They will check through your social media to know what you post, anything that seems controversial or doesn’t reflect the best version of yourself can be a red flag. Take note that anything either a photo or post that doesn’t seem decent can hinder you from earning a job. Upgrade your interview outfits She also adds that shop for office attires. Don’t under look a profession for being casual and think that appearing in Jeans and T-shirts for an interview is okay. Dressing business or corporate for an interview will leave a promising impression on any employer.
