There are some lucky people who don’t have any problems with the job search process and easily secure interviews for prized jobs with those *bulletproof* companies you want to have on your resume. You know the people that work at Apple, Google or an exciting start-up business. How do they do it? What are their secrets? Here are some strategies we recommend following to get you the job you want.

Understand what you really want
The job search process can be taxing. Many people focus on ‘getting a job’ if they are out of work rather than determine what their next career move should be. One way to look at this is to think about why you work (aside from a salary). It makes sense that what you value and want out of life should be reflected in the job you do. In terms of best understanding your motivation and interest, The Muse.com segments people into 4 different groups:
• Community-centred professionals who build relationships with others;
• Human-centred people who develop experiences for individuals;
• Structure-driven workers who look at the integration of different systems and processes; or
• Knowledge-driven individuals who interpret data to better understand people, patterns or applications
Take a Targeted Approach
Successful job applicants don’t apply for every job that they are qualified for. They take a very targeted approach to which roles and companies they really want (and they won’t accept just any job). To improve your job search, think like a high performer and consider who you know that might be useful contacts in your job search. LinkedIn is a great place to start as you can quickly understand where your contacts are working and which companies might represent a good opportunity for you. Likewise, finding a ‘side door’ entrance into a business through someone you know rather than applying directly can be really beneficial.
Determine your Unique Selling Point (USP)
The job search process is largely about determining what you bring to the table and finding the best way to communicate that to employers. What value can you add to an employer that is significantly different to other people? Just as products and services have a unique selling point (USP) used to position them effectively against competitors, so too do candidates. The most effective USP’s are in areas of growth and/or are difficult to find. Finding and marketing your USP effectively can go a long way to securing your dream job.
Try speaking with your contacts about where there are skills gaps in the market and how they might align with any strengths you might have. The process of ‘pitching’ to prospects involves getting comfortable with communicating your strengths to potential employers succinctly and powerfully.

Would you like more information on job search strategies? Speak to the recruitment team at Flexi Personnel.