Pro tips for your job hunt

When you are spending hours preparing and sending in job applications it can help to have some direction from the experts. We reached out to our great team of recruitment consultants to get tips straight from the source that will help your application catch the eye of recruiters and succeed in your job hunt. 

TIP 1 - Read the job description carefully and tailor your CV accordingly

If you’ve read last month’s Tips From a Recruiter, you will see some great advice regarding tailoring your CV to the vacancy you would like to apply for. Tailoring your CV to match the job description signals your genuine interest in the position, and shows you've taken the time to understand what the role entails. Carefully reviewing the job requirements allows you to emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the role, and increases your chances of catching the recruiter's eye.

Pro tip: When we receive an application for a vacancy with a specific language requirement and then discover that the candidate doesn’t speak the language, it reflects negatively on the applicant as it shows a lack of attention to detail (i.e. did not read the title, nor the requirements), so make sure to always read through the job description carefully. You can even proactively reach out to the recruiter if you have any questions about whether your CV will be a good fit for the role or not.  

TIP 2 - Be aware that recruiters can also make mistakes

It's a common misconception that recruiters always get it right. In reality, we, too, can make mistakes and inadvertently overlook crucial information in CVs. That's why it's often a smart move to proactively get in contact with us if you feel we may have rejected your application for the wrong reasons. This also gives you the opportunity to clarify why you feel you’re a potential fit for the job.

By initiating contact, you demonstrate your proactiveness and eagerness for the position. It shows that you're not simply relying on your CV to speak for you, but you're actively engaged in the application process.

Pro tip: If you don't receive a response immediately, don't hesitate to follow up politely. Sometimes, recruiters are inundated with messages, and a gentle nudge can help ensure your message is seen.

TIP 3 - Stay professional and use rejection in your favor

Recruiters often find themselves in a challenging position. While we genuinely want to help candidates find the right opportunities, the reality is that we receive a multitude of applications for each job opening, and not every candidate can be selected. It's crucial to understand that rejection doesn't necessarily mean you're unqualified for the job or that we want to turn you away. It's often a matter of aligning the best match for a specific role.

Rejection in the job search can be disheartening, but it's essential to keep moving forward with resilience and professionalism. Recruiters understand the challenges of job hunting, and we're here to support you in your career journey. Remember, your next opportunity may be just around the corner, and maintaining a positive and professional attitude can go a long way in helping you succeed.

Pro tip: Use rejection as a moment to strengthen your network. If you respond positively and professionally you will make a good impression on the recruiter so that they will want to help you more in the future. Even a "no" answer can get you closer to the "yes" you are looking for!