How to get a new job in 2016

IF YOU are looking for a new job you could be making one crucial mistake that gets you noticed for all the wrong reasons.

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IF YOU are looking for a new job for the new year, you could be making one crucial mistake that is getting you noticed for all the wrong reasons.

Recruiting agency Hays has released 10 tips for finding a new job in 2016, emphasising the importance of integrating digital and social media into your job search.

But it has also highlighted the importance of targeting realistic jobs, especially in the electronic era.

Hays senior regional director Peter Noblet told news.com.au that employers were becoming more impatient with people applying for jobs they are not qualified for.

“Thanks to technology it’s easier for candidates to apply for lots of jobs very quickly,” Mr Noblet said, but this could actually be harming a candidate’s chances of standing out.

Some people may think that sending out a generic resume widely would help them cover more ground, but Mr Noblet said it was more effective to target your resume and cover letter specifically to the job.

He said employers often used tracking systems to shift through the large number of resumes and applications they received. These would search through candidates based on name, skills and key words so if you were not tailoring your resume to the specific job, you could get overlooked.

“Make sure you highlight key words in job ads and match your skills to that, mention these key words in your CV and cover letter and be explicit about why you think you could do the job,” he said.

Mr Noblet said candidates needed to make themselves stand out and a key part of this was to avoid using generic and cliqued language.

“It needs to be to-the-point and direct,” he said. “You don’t have to go into a huge amount of details, that’s what the interview is for, you just want to get your foot in the door so just include the salient points from your last job.”

While Mr Noblet acknowledged qualifications listed for some jobs could be more of a “wishlist” than non-negotiable criteria, if a candidate did not have all the necessary requirements they should consider whether any of their current skills were transferable.

For example, even if an applicant did not know a specific software language, if they were good at learning on the job quickly and could back this up with specific examples, they may still be considered a suitable candidate.

“Sometimes people forget that there are a lot of people applying for roles.

“You want ones that stand out, who say they can do the role and explain the reasons why.”

According to Hays, your 2016 job search could run much smoother with these tips:

1. DISRUPT YOUR CV

While a traditional CV remains the accepted way to show you have the necessary skills and experience for the role, you could add a link to a website, video or blog post that profiles digital examples of your work, or demonstrates your expertise in a particular area. These links will help you stand out — provided they are relevant to the role you have applied for.

2. ALIGN YOUR ONLINE AND OFFLINE CVS

Hiring managers will research you online, so make sure the CV you submit matches your online profile. Any discrepancies throw up a red flag. At the very least you’ll be asked some hard questions in the interview, and at worst your CV will be removed from consideration.

3. BE OPEN TO FREELANCING

With employers looking for flexible headcounts and jobseekers looking to expand their industry experience and networks, freelancing is an option worth considering.

4. TARGET REALISTIC JOBS

Employers are becoming more impatient with candidates who apply for a role that they are not suitable for. In 2016 it is therefore important to be realistic in the roles you consider, and clearly demonstrate your suitability for a role based upon your experience.

5. PROMOTE YOURSELF

A LinkedIn account will not be enough if you are not active online so like, post, share and comment on relevant content, ask for endorsements, be active in relevant groups and showcase examples of your work and achievements.

6. STUDY RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS

Keep up-to-date with industry developments. If you need to undertake training make sure it’s the right training. In every industry there are certain qualifications that employers value above others. So make sure you do your research and work towards the qualifications that employers actually value.

7. BE A CHANGE AGENT

Employers are starting to look for candidates with an appetite for change, so in 2016 make sure you are known for driving innovation, integrating technology and learning best practice from others in order to make informed changes to the way business is done.

8. SIZE DOESN’T MATTER

If you choose not to hide your LinkedIn connections, be aware that employers can make assumptions about you based on the quality of your online connections. For many employers, the value you can bring to their business is an important consideration in their hiring decision. Your connections should show potential employers that you are associated with people relevant to your field, which can be a powerful endorsement of your reach.

9. LEARN TO COPE WITH REJECTION

As well as the required technical skills you need to have the right industry background and cultural fit, which means it could take a few applications before you find the right role for you. Don’t take the rejection personally.

10. STAY ON TOP OF A RECRUITER’S TALENT LIST

Ways to stay at the top of your recruiter’s talent list include keeping them informed by updating them if your circumstances change, following their advice, and keeping your word. If you say you’re only interested in permanent work then decline an interview for a more lucrative contract role. Similarly, trust your recruiter and don’t go over their head to contact an employer direct.