Since the lockdown, many people have reconsidered their careers and have joined what’s been called: The Great Resignation.’

People are leaving their jobs in droves to find positions that suit their lives better, or they are pursuing new opportunities and challenges. If you’re currently in pursuit of your dream job, take a look at our top five tips for securing a job in 2022…

CREATE A PROFESSIONAL CV

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many advancements have been in the style and expectation of professional CVs in recent years. If it’s been a while since you dusted yours off, start with some research by Googling examples of CVs in your field.

Microsoft Word has a build in Resume Assistant that can create your CV in seconds when connected to LinkedIn. Then there are other free apps like CANVA that make it really easy to create something professional.

Keep it precise and include only top-level information. It shouldn’t really be more than 2 – 3 pages and it should capture the reader’s attention quickly – especially for highly competitive roles.

JOIN THE LINKEDIN COMMUNITY

LinkedIn is the oldest social media app and the one that is dedicated to professional networking.

If you don’t have a profile yet, consider setting one up because LinkedIn’s popularity only continues to grow and the opportunities available on there are endless.

Once you’ve opened a profile, make sure that your page looks professional and it contains all the information from your CV, but more if needed and include links and photos of your former work.

If you see you a job that you like posted somewhere, go to LinkedIn and search for the people at that company and try to connect with them – this ensures that you get noticed during the recruitment process and showcases your enthusiasm for the role.

TAKE AN ACTION PLAN TO THE INTERVIEW

If you get through to the interview phase, consider creating a brief one-page action plan and set out your plans for your first six months in that role. The process of researching and putting yourself into the role itself is fantastic preparation.

If you can print this and take it to the interview, or share it online during a video call, you’ll showcase to your potential employer that you can confidently take on the responsibilities and that you’re an expert in your field.

Likewise, if you’re interviewing for a more creative or digital based role, think about putting together your portfolio of work, and share this with the interviewer.

ASK GOOD QUESTIONS DURING THE INTERVIEW

Don’t forget that you’ll be spending a lot of time in your job, so make sure that you are happy with the organisation too and that you have a list of real questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

If you’re stuck, think back through your previous positions, and recall the things you wish you’d known before you started, or things that you did and didn’t enjoy about those roles. Now formulate these into smart questions and write them down. Have the list in the interview – it shows preparation.

A good question to ask at the end of an interview would be if the interviewer had any reservations about you. If they are given the opportunity to ask you pointed questions, you may get the chance to address some concerns that may have otherwise knocked you out of the shortlisting process.

FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Always follow up after an interview. Thank them for their time, ask if there’s anything further that you can provide and tell them that you are looking forward to hearing the outcome soon.

If you don’t receive the offer, thank them for the opportunity and wish them the best success for the business. Also politely ask for some feedback as this will help you on your next interview (and it shows them that you are open to personal development – something that might come in handy if it doesn’t work out with their first choice). If this is a dream job, chances are you’ll apply again in the future, so this feedback is essential.

Written by Katie King, a small business marketing consultant and personal brand specialist. www.katiekingandco.com