So 2011 wasn’t a great year for the UK job market with employment rising to the highest level since 1994. But with a new year should come new hope.
With that in mind here are are a few of my top tips for job hunting in 2012!
Don’t panic - Remember you don’t have to get your dream job straight away! Concentrate on getting yourself on the job ladder first, it’s often easier to find a job once you’re in a job.
Tailor your applications – This might come as a shock to some of you but there is no such thing as a general CV! To stand the best chance of getting a job you will need to tailor each application you make, look carefully at each job description and provide examples of times when you have fulfilled these competencies.
For help with writing CV’s or cover letters and advice on application forms have a look at our starting point series.
Get Work Experience – In such a competitive job market it’s essential to stand out from the crowd. Having relevant work experience is a great way to do this, showing employers you have already developed the skills needed for the big bad world of work.
Need work experience to put on your CV? You could consider applying for internships, volunteering or even ask about work shadowing opportunities within organisations.
Don’t forget to include part time work on your applications, it’s a good way of showing employers you have a range of transferable skills.
Login to Careerslink to view the latest work experience and volunteering opportunities.
Become commercially aware – no I don’t mean TV ads! Commercial awareness means having an understanding of the sector and being aware of any factors which might have an effect on the organization you are applying for. Watching the news and reading relevant industry journals should keep you up to speed… Simples!
Pop into the Careers Resource Centre we have a range of sector specific journals you can access for free!
Keep reading the blog! – We will continue to keep you informed of labour market news, provide tips and advice and alert you to any interesting vacancies throughout the year.
Filed under: Job hunting
