Here's how to stand out in your job search

By Safia Lagerdien

Job searching can be hard. When you put everything into your applications but don't hear anything back, it can be tempting to give up – don't.

Here are some things you can try to optimise your applications.

Understand what the employer wants

What are your goals and values, and how do they align with the purpose and values of the company? Look closely at the job posting (and other postings by the same company) to assess the company's needs and job responsibilities. Speak to other candidates if you can and ask about how they approach their applications.

Clarify what you value, and what interests and motivates you about your chosen career path or job you’re applying for. Amplify how they align with the ways in which the organisation chooses to achieve its objectives.

Uncover the hidden job market

Meet potential employers and recruiters where they are – online. You would be surprised how many jobs are filled solely via LinkedIn. So get on there, and keep your profile updated – listen to our podcast on how to get the most out of this platform.

Expand your network and connect both with people you know and those they know in your industry. Follow companies you are interested in – connect with executives and request informational interviews about their jobs and the company; comment on their posts; raise your profile and, above all, keep it professional.

Get to (and know about) job opportunities early, preferably before they are advertised.

Know the company

Before pressing submit on your application, do your research: find out about the company culture, history and achievements. How does the company define professional success in graduates? What benefits do they offer? Do they have graduate development programmes and what does it involve?

DO YOUR RESEARCH: Doing your research helps you identify how you would contribute to the overall success of the company.”

Doing your research helps you identify how you would contribute to the overall success of the company. In your application, show that you have the company's interests and success at heart – that you’re as passionate about and interested in its performance as they are.

Your deep knowledge of the company enables you to make an early contribution, giving you an edge over other candidates.

Optimise your CV and Cover Letter

Applying for a job is all about the company: hiring managers are interested in whether you are a good fit for the role. Scrutinise the job advertisement closely and tailor your CV – it should reflect why you are a unique fit for the role.

Show you are an excellent fit for the job by how you have demonstrated and applied its requisite knowledge, skills and abilities elsewhere in all your experiences. Also show how resilient you are in the face of adversity – what did you learn during lockdown?

Prepare well for interviews

Preparing for interviews goes a long way to reducing anxiety associated with them: it provides you with a degree of control and calms your nerves which help with reflecting the all-important sense of selfconfidence employers value.

Familiarise yourself thoroughly with interview techniques to showcase your skills effectively – do mock interviews. Highlight how your unique perspectives, skills and experiences will elevate performance in the job beyond stated objectives and prepare questions for the interview panel that elicit information about what it takes to be successful in the role.

USEFUL LIKS ON HOW TO

Book a virtual one-to-one consultation with a Career Development Consultant - Consultation booking

Identify your skills - http:// www.careers. http://www.careers.uct.ac.za/skills