Top Tips for a Job Search in 2014

Finding a new job is a tough enough process as it is, but as businesses seek to cut away the applicants that they don’t feel are worthy of an interview for the position advertised, they look to bring in processes that can make the application even more daunting than ever before. We’re already well aware of certain questions that can make or break an interview, such as where we see ourselves in five years time or why that company in particular, but there are likely to be a variety of things we have to prepare ourselves for in 2014, and beyond.

Sites like JobsToday are still going to be highly popular and great ways of finding new positions that get us excited about going to work, but it’s not going to be a case of applying, answering a few questions and signing on the dotted line. We need to be preparing ourselves as best we can for all eventualities.

One such example would be the fact that we need to brace ourselves to be interviewed by video. Over the years many will have experienced interviews that have taken place over the telephone, maybe because the company want to speak to us so desperately to give us a position that they want to speak right there and then, but on other occasions it might be because we don’t have the time available to take from our existing positions and we can only discuss the role on lunch breaks or in the evenings.

As firms place extra emphasis on giving roles to people who are committed to the job and not just in it for “any old work”, they may ask to interview by Skype, Webcam or FaceTime so that they can still feel as though they’ve met you.

That isn’t to say that what you put on paper is no longer important, as it’s the content of your covering letter that will inevitably lead your application to the ‘for interview’ pile, or the bin under the HR manager’s desk. This is your opportunity to showcase everything that makes you you, and everything that makes you perfect for that job role.

Think of it as a shop window, you’re putting out all of your experience, hobbies, interests and qualifications for the employer to come in and get you. The most important thing, however, is to tailor your covering letter for specific positions, showing just why you’re the ideal candidate for that position in particular, otherwise employers will know you’ve just sent it out speculatively to everyone and anyone.

If you’re out of work, or legally permitted to do so alongside your current position, then doing freelance work will not only help your CV but it will help you to gain some extra experience. One of the main reasons for missing out on positions is due to a lack of experience, something that infuriates hundreds of applicants who all then ask the same question – how do I gain experience if nobody will give me a chance? This is a fair question, but finding freelance work or even a work experience placement can add valuable time to your CV and also shows that you will go the extra mile to get that position.