Yes, you can beat the market and secure your dream job!
Today’s job market is a tougher place than our generation is used to. I say this because it’s important to remember that other generations had it far tougher. And that’s a good thing to keep in mind if you feel overwhelmed or if you despair at the scarcity of relevant jobs, or the level of competition in the market.
The difference between our generation and our parents’ (or grandparents’) is that we have a vast array of tools, resources, and knowledge that will help us achieve our goal. And although it may not be easy, and yes – you may need a little patience – these tools have been proven to work.
So, with this in mind, here are 10 things you can do – starting today – to hack the job market, and improve your chances of standing out to recruiters and employers:
1. Focus your efforts:
If you have tools like sales navigator, or you subscribe to free newsletters like Owler, you can easily see which companies, and types of companies are continuing to grow in the current climate, and if that growth is in line with your area of specialisation. Then you can create a hit list of Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies that you’re going for.
2. Do your research:
Learn what your target company is all about. Visit their careersite, their social channels, their annual report to understand what they stand for, what their goals and targets are, and what their plans are for their workforce over the next few years (their strategic workforce plan). Which events do they take the time to attend? Who’s represented in their job adverts and on their career site? Chances are it will be a mirror of who they’re prioritising, and if that looks like you, then you potentially have a great opportunity to qualify for the role.
3. Understand your value:
Recruiters from major companies don’t struggle for quality applications. They’re often inundated with them to be honest. So why do they still invest time, money and resources in advertising how attractive they are as employers? Because they’re looking for individuals who bring something unique to their organisations. It could be leadership skills, diversity, innovative thinking, a particular skill or knowledge set… the list is endless and the point is that there are any number of organisations that will be looking for your unique attributes.
4. Refine your skillset:
One of the most effective ways to differentiate yourself in a crowded job market is by continuously refining and expanding your skillset. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and certifications to enhance your knowledge and expertise in your field. By demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional development, you will not only increase your value as a candidate but also showcase your adaptability and willingness to grow.
5. Define your personal brand:
Now that you know which companies or sectors you’re targeting, and you understand the unique value that you will potentially bring to them, take the time to make sure this is reflected in your public profile – i.e. your LinkedIn profile and your CV. Make sure you include relevant keywords in your LinkedIn profile to match what recruiters will be searching for, and write posts that demonstrate the skills and values that you think will set you apart.
6. Network like crazy:
Reconnect with old colleagues, attend networking events, and reach out to industry professionals. It’s OK to show natural curiosity and ask employees or even recruiters from your target companies all about these companies. Building relationships opens doors to hidden opportunities.
7. Tailor your CV & cover letter:
Don’t do all that work, just to send a generic application! When you apply for jobs at your ideal companies, make sure that your documents include key words and phrases from their website and documents, and that you highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to their needs. Most companies use AI technology to process the CVs they receive, so keyword relevance will be important.
8. Go beyond the job boards:
Many companies don’t advertise every vacancy on job boards, so visit company websites directly, reach out to HR contacts, and leverage professional networks for unposted positions.
9. Showcase your value:
Don’t just list skills; demonstrate your impact and results. Quantify your achievements and use strong action verbs to paint a clear picture of your contributions and value. And yes it can be a huge step outside of your comfort zone, but in a crowded market, you need to stand out. Consider video CVs, links to examples of your work, or even specially created content relevant to the company’s industry.
10. Stay positive and persistent:
Job hunting takes time and resilience. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Stay focused, keep applying, and celebrate each step of the process because with each of these steps you will learn, gain new skills, and strengthen your confidence and value to an employer.
And there we have it! A tough job market doesn’t mean your dream job is out of reach. It may not be easy but it should be worth it. For more handy tips on how to hack the job market, watch our interview with Andrew Dare O’Dupitan, a leading recruitment manager.