Many ReSkills users use our platform to upskill themselves, or pick up new skills to start off new careers. Some of you will be going for job interviews after this: we wish you all the best! Job interviews can sometimes feel tricky and stressful. With many people applying for the same position, the odds of you succeeding can feel very low.
However, there’s no need to worry. We at ReSkills have prepared a list of tips to boost your chances of getting employed after an interview.
1. Polish your resume
According to a study by Glassdoor, an advertisement for a new corporate opening can attract an average of 250 applications! Employers have to go through hundreds of resumes when choosing a candidate. It is therefore important that your application stands out.
First of all, ensure your resume is organized and well-written, with all the required information provided. Make sure there are no typos or misspellings. Do your best to incorporate industry keywords or specific job terms, to demonstrate you are familiar with the position you are interested in.
While you want to stand out from everyone else, you should also stay professional. Don’t add things like overly bright colours, crazy fonts or jokes to your resume. This will make you stand out, but not in a good way! Being funny only works in very specific situations and we don’t recommend you take this risk at all.
2. Emphasize your strengths and accomplishments
Your resume should not just be a lifeless list of everything you have done. Tailor the information so it shows off your skills and talents. Don’t send the exact same resume all the time: make sure each application highlights the achievements most relevant to the specific job you have applied for.
Also, don’t just list things connected with work. Also mention your soft skills, hobbies and interests: where possible, try and tie them to why you are a great person to employ. For example, a love of running marathons shows you are determined and disciplined.
ReSkills has a variety of classes on many topics which are relevant to many industries. Completing them gives you a certificate approved by three international certifying bodies. You can collect as many certificates as you want: those achievements will definitely make your resume stand out!
3. Research the company
Find out as much as you can about the company you want to apply to. Be familiar with their mission, their culture and their working style. Showing interviewers how much you know about their company is a very positive flag, showing you are serious about working there.
Knowing more about your employers also benefits you a lot. If you discover something you do not like about a certain company, you can avoid it and not end up running into trouble later.
4. Make a Positive Impression On the Interviewer
If your resume is accepted and you’re called in for an interview, make sure to put your best self forward. Dress well and appropriately, be punctual, and make sure you have had a good night’s sleep beforehand.
Interviews are usually a way for a company’s managers to see how you are in person, so they can see if you are a good fit for the place. So be polite and approachable. You will be asked questions about yourself and your previous jobs: make sure you are prepared with good answers for everything.
Thank the interviewer once the interview is done, and wait for them to get back to you. If you are rejected, do not be too dejected. This does not mean there is anything wrong with you, it just means there was another candidate better for the job.
ReSkills also has many classes on career development and business growth that can help you here. Our coaches can teach you valuable lessons on social and interpersonal skills that you can utilise for interviews and real-life scenarios.
5. Use your network
There’s a famous saying that its not what you know, its who you know. According to CareerXroads, someone who is referred for a job is up to 14 times more likely to be hired than someone without a referral. Knowing the right person can therefore make applying for a new job much easier.
Therefore, try to network as much as possible. Meet and stay connected with people from all walks of life. Not only will this make your life more interesting, it might also open up rare opportunities you would never expect. The guy you met at a birthday party last month might have a brother who wants to hire someone for your dream job. And now he can recommend you for it!
Also, take advantage of your social media. Keep your Facebook and LinkedIn accounts updated with current information of yourself. Many people also post job openings there.
We at ReSkills want to wish all jobseekers the very best! We hope you find your dream job soon!
Amazing this is so true!!!