Job hunting is a difficult process and unsuccessful applications can be really disheartening, particularly if employers don’t give feedback as to why you were unsuccessful.
But there are all kinds of ways you can change your strategy and hopefully improve your chances of success. Here are some of our top tips to give you a leg up in your job search!
1. Planning, be strategic
When it comes to applications, having a clear plan can prove really useful.
Research the sectors you’re interested in and check out what skills are needed for the specific roles you’d like to apply or aspire to.
Our sector guides are a great place to start or, for more information on individual roles within a sector, take a look at Prospect’s list of job profiles.
2. CVs and cover letters
Making sure your CV is in top shape is the first step in application prep. It’s important you tailor your CV for every application so you can demonstrate not only how your skills make you the right candidate for the position but also show you’ve thought about the job and what you bring to it.
This goes double for cover letters!
Cover letters provide the chance to give some details about your experience and why you want the job. It’s a great chance to show you know the company and what the role entails.
It’s particularly important for cover letters to provide specific evidence drawn from the research you’ve undertaken into the organisation and an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation i.e. what projects will you have the chance to work on that you have an interest in. Points of interest which can be built on at interview.
Writing high-quality tailored applications takes days rather than hours. Students and recent graduates who succeed in tough recruitment processes often say it equates to a 10-20 credit unit. Sending fewer carefully researched and planned applications is more likely to lead to you being shortlisted.
Top tip: Get your CV ready following our suggested 3 key steps and pull together a well-structured cover letter via our guide.
3. Accessing the hidden job market
Around 70% of jobs are never externally advertised, therefore you need to get creative in order to access the hidden job market. Speculative applications are a great way to find opportunities which might have otherwise passed you by.
Use mycareer to search for potential organisations and create a shortlist of companies you’d like to apply to, this can help you focus your search. Speculative applications take time and effort so doing a bit of research beforehand is really useful.
Check out our advice on putting together speculative applications.
Building a network of contacts is another way to access jobs that might not otherwise be advertised. Go to careers fairs, employer events on campus, and external networking events to meet potential contacts. You can also get in touch with Bristol alumni through Bristol Connects and ask for advice and insight into the sectors they work in. Where possible, using in-person sources when researching a company, role or sector will help differentiate you when making applications.
4. Expand your skills
Sometimes, if you’re consistently coming up unsuccessful when it comes to applications, a new strategy is needed. You may want to consider building your skills and experience further, perhaps take a course to gain a new qualification or do some work experience to add to your CV. You could also consider taking on a less responsible role while you continue to apply for others which may boost your CV and allow you to develop key skills.
5. Interviews
Getting to the interview stage, you can assume employers consider you a strong candidate on paper! But if you’ve been going to many interviews and still find you’re coming away unsuccessful, it’s good to appraise your performance.
Noting down questions or tasks you had at interview, and reflecting on what went well or could be improved on are vital steps to move forward constructively. You might also like to check out our career pathway for getting interview ready. This is a great way to make sure you’re prepped with all the tips and tricks to doing well in your next interview.
6. Come and see us!
As always, we are here to help you with your career journey.
We have a wide range of support available through mycareer.
If you’re struggling and would like to talk through making that breakthrough with an application or interview you can make an appointment online to talk with one of our advisors, contact us through Live Chat, or pop in in person.
