With the job market as competitive as it’s ever been, landing your dream job or even being invited for an interview is far from guaranteed but a recruitment expert has revealed two key areas you should focus on when sending off your next application.
In a study conducted by the University of Phoenix Career Institute, 62% of employers revealed that their companies had experienced slowed or declining hiring over the past year through hiring freezes, layoffs, and restructuring. This has led to fewer available jobs and more applicants competing for the positions that are out there.
Recruitment expert offers guidance
To help potential job seekers navigate the complex world of recruitment, The Focus spoke with Rebecca Trotsky, Chief People Officer at HR Acuity.
“With so many applicants using ‘easy apply’ or other quick methods to throw their hats in the ring for the same job, and even with a perfect resume, it’s still going to be a challenge to break through,” she told The Focus.
Instead of trying solely to craft the perfect resume to help you stand out, Trotsky recommends a different tactic.
“Being very early in the process helps a ton,” she revealed. “The first 50 resumes that match the position tend to get the most attention.”
So, the next time a job advert catches your eye, send in your application as soon as possible to help your chances of being invited for an interview.
It’s about who you know
A common phrase in the world of job hunting is ‘It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.’
And this rings true in Rebecca Trotsky’s second piece of advice, “Using networking tools.”
“For instance, you can use your LinkedIn or other contacts to see who you might know at the organization or be connected to someone there,” she explained. “A personal note from someone who knows the recruiter or hiring manager and can recommend you goes a long way toward getting that first interview.”
This step may not be quite as easy to achieve as sending your application in as soon as possible but there are plenty of online guides out there to help with networking and it can be as easy as keeping in touch with old colleagues.