Last year, the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in millions of people being laid off from work, but as Americans are getting vaccinated, the country is slowly trying to re-open and so is the job market. But still, there is intense competition for jobs. In almost every profession, there are dozens of applicants and unlike in the past when having a certain skill set was adequate, this is no longer the case today.
More than ever, employers are looking at the bigger picture, which transcends skills, and this means that prospective employees must have the right attitude and behavior, be a team player, be flexible, be willing to work hard, and, above all else, have integrity.
1. Reveal your other skills
Before you even apply for a job today, enhance your other traits as well as your core skills. Employers are seeking candidates that have all-inclusive skills and that also includes being a team player. Some of the extracurricular activities that can place your resume at the top of the list include the following:
2. Be up-to-date on the latest technology and know the trends
The employer of today is seeking candidates with not only the right educational qualifications but one who is up-to-date in his or her field.
For example, many people graduate college and after they get a job have little idea what is happening in their field. Employers want candidates that are full of innovative ideas, creative, and motivated to do better.
Additionally, to increase your chances, you will have to be computer savvy, know how to communicate with clients online, and have a way to connect with others through your knowledge.
3. Modify your resume
Many people looking for a job have the same old CV that they made years ago. To be identified as a good candidate for a certain position, your resume needs to be altered accordingly.
Many employers post job-specific needs and your resume needs to match those needs. Therefore, you may need your resume to reflect what the employer desires and how you will be an asset to the company.
4. Bring attention to your soft skills
While having job-specific skills is a virtue, the employer of today is also seeking candidates who are team players, understand time management and are easy to work with. Many employers now place a high emphasis on soft skills and if you lack them, you will need to develop them for better chances of getting the job. You can do this by participating in community projects, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, hospital, or SPCA.
Employers are often seduced by volunteers as they see these candidates as warm, charitable, and easygoing. You also need to be prepared to talk about your personal flaws so that you can present them in a positive light.
5. Develop a network
In today’s competitive job market for professionals, one of the keys to getting a job is connections. Start developing positive relationships with people because, who knows, one of them may just become your employer.
To develop a network, sign up on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Interact with people in your profession and augment your professional network. It is not uncommon for professionals to post jobs on their social media sites, and you may just get lucky.
6.Go social
Today, many employers also browse through social media platforms like Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram to look for the right candidate. Hence, you have to go with the flow and go social.
Create a profile on one or more of these social media platforms and reveal your qualifications and skills. Regularly discuss some type of job scenario and how you would handle it, and so on. The more job-related content you post, the higher the chances that you will be seen by a prospective employer. Social media platforms can do wonders if you know how to promote yourself.
For example, on LinkedIn, you can have your former employers validate your skills and character. If you have a creative or artistic skill set, get it published on Pinterest. Your online reputation should be impeccable. Search your own name online and if you have posted anything negative, harsh, or crude, it is time to delete all that.
7. Be well-dressed and prepared
If you ever get an interview, this means the employer has an interest in you. And, thus, you should prepare yourself well. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression and prove yourself, and you should not take this opportunity lightly. Learn as much as you can about the employer to better your chances. Be knowledgeable about products and services.
The more knowledge you have about the company, the easier it will be to answer the interview questions. Next, perform a web search on the company to know its recent activities and the person who will be interviewing you. Understand what the employer wants; to stand apart from other candidates, you need to understand the job requirements. The more you know ahead of time, the better you can prepare.
8. The Interview
To prepare yourself for the interview and increase your odds, go online and search for sample interview questions. Many websites offer free sample questions with appropriate answers. Next, make copies of all the important documents.
On the day of the interview, dress smart and be well-groomed. During the interview, you need to carefully state your strengths and skills, without sounding too much like a braggart. At all times, maintain a sincere attitude through your body language, maintain direct eye contact, avoid fidgeting, and listen.
Finally, leave your prospective employer with a sense that your life is in balance; we have far too many disgruntled people in society and the last thing an employer wants is an unhappy individual.
If you want to know about the skills to work in construction, contact Labor For Hire. Find out more about the construction skills you need to get started.