3 ways to supercharge your job search.

Looking for a new job, but lacking a bit of oomph? Read on to find out three ways you can supercharge your job search (plus one way to stay sane in the process)... 

1. give your CV a makeover

Don’t wait until a recruiter asks for your CV to make hurried edits. Instead, get ahead of the game by setting aside proper time to make sure your CV does you justice before you start looking for jobs. Of course, we don’t need to tell you to tailor your CV to each job you apply to (do we?!), but having a master document you can tweak will save any last-minute panic.

Remember: this two-page (maximum) document could be your one chance to convince recruiters and hiring managers you’re worth inviting for an interview… With one study showing recruiters look at each resume for just seven seconds, how are you going to make them do a double-take?

“include tangible results that are relevant for the job you’re applying to wherever possible”

If, like many people, you’ve been using a version of the same document since the start of your professional career, it might be time for an overhaul… Is that work experience you did when you were 18 really relevant now? Do the skills and experience you’re showcasing make you suitable for the kind of role you want to find next? Make sure you aren’t just communicating your responsibilities – you want to show you know how to deliver on them, so include tangible results that are relevant for the job you’re applying to wherever possible.

Keep an eye on the mum blog for a CV-writing guide coming soon…

2. get active on LinkedIn

Like your CV, think of your LinkedIn profile as an advert for you – because even if it’s not how they find you, you can bet recruiters and would-be employers will check it out. 

Rather than just duplicating your CV, think about how you can pack in more information to sell yourself. Have you written a unique, engaging ‘About’ that gives would-be employers a better idea of who you are and the value you offer? Can you ask current and previous colleagues to give you recommendations (after all, we know social proof wins trust)? Do you have a shiny website, portfolio, or even professional Instagram you can link to?

“you want prospective employers to imagine you working for them, which might be tricky if your existing employer has a strong presence on your page”

Make sure your profile photo is current and professional, without any obvious branding – you want prospective employers to imagine you working for them, which might be tricky if your existing employer has a strong presence on your page. Same goes for your banner image: rather than giving your current employer valuable (and off-putting) real estate, use it strategically to make a statement about the kind of person you are, opt for something neutral, or remove it altogether.

Once your ducks are in a row, get engaging. Follow brands and businesses you admire to get a feel for their work and culture. Connect with people in your industry doing the roles you’d like to do to hear their career advice and insights. Post content that’s helpful and shareable to increase your reach and get yourself under the noses of the people who matter. 

(It’s worth remembering anyone can see your activity on LinkedIn, including your current employer. So, unless you’re in a position to be completely open, think before you post!)

3. start networking IRL

Depending on your job, networking can mean all sorts of things. Reach out to recruiters and invite them for a coffee so they can get to know the real you. Ask friends for introductions to influential people in the industry, or anyone looking to hire for the sort of role you want. Get back in touch with previous employers you trust and respect to see if they know of any opportunities. And look out for industry events you can attend – you never know who you might meet!

“be prepared and willing to support and champion others wherever you can”

Remember: great networking is usually an “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” arrangement. Don’t just take, take, take: be prepared and willing to support and champion others wherever you can – what goes around, comes around! (And it goes without saying: don’t burn bridges – you never know when or where someone will pop up again…) 

and lastly: make other plans

You know what they say: a watched pot never boils. When you’re looking for a new job – particularly if you’re no longer happy if your current role – weeks can feel like months. While it’s great to focus on your job search, don’t let it take over your whole life. Make plans with friends and family, take time to relax (whatever that looks like for you), and be sure to look after yourself. After all, when you do eventually score an interview, you want to show up as your best self!

Here at mum, we’ve been helping brilliant people find their new work-home for more than a decade. Why not send us your CV to find out if we have any roles that might be perfect for you?