Get noticed in a competitive jobs market

It’s a difficult and competitive jobs market in most sectors at the moment, with current trends suggesting that this will remain for the foreseeable future. With that in mind it’s important to give yourself the best opportunity when applying for a new role. Take a look at our suggestions for how you can get noticed in a competitive jobs market.

Use short courses to plug gaps in your CV

Short courses that top up your skill set and show your willingness to develop yourself are a perfect way to fill gaps in your CV and could be the difference between you or another candidate being successful in landing the role you want. Short courses can be used to give you a competitive advantage, you can upskill in a number of subject areas and expertise. For example we offer a range of short courses, in partnership with The Skills Network, to help professionals and organisations to continue professional development,  including:

• Customer service
• First Aid
• Health and Safety
• Health and Fitness
• Health and Social Care
• Life Skills
• Management and Leadership.

Employers want to find people who are proactive, willing to flex and keen to progress. This is one way of showing you are such a person.

Professional development

There are always strings that you can add to your bow. Completing a professional qualification can set you apart from the crowd and give you the skills and qualifications required for a new role or promotion.

A qualification in Project Management or Management and Leadership can be applicable to a range of industries and professional environments.

Having a well written CV

When putting yourself forward for a job or a promotion, your CV is your opportunity to make a positive first impression. This is your chance to put your skills, experience and qualifications on show for recruiters.

Your CV needs to stand out from the crowd if you want to make it through to the interview stage. The layout and structure of your CV can be vital, so take the time to look around online for guides and templates that will help you format your perfect CV.

Make sure your CV is relevant for the job that you are applying for. Often a small change here and there to highlight certain skills or experience can be the difference between getting an interview and missing out. Don’t forget it can be helpful to quantify your successes with data that backs up what you are saying but keep it brief and apply to just a few key points.

Finally, proofread. Eliminate any spelling or grammatical mistakes in your CV. A small error could change a recruiter’s opinion of you before you have had the opportunity to show your worth.

Networking

Having contacts that can provide you with new opportunities, or even just advice, can be of a real benefit throughout a career.

Take part in networking events, keep in touch with fellow learners on courses and whilst there may be limited opportunities to attend events and expos at the moment, you can attend virtual events and meet professionals from within your industry via platforms such as Linkedin.

Social media

The majority of recruiters are now looking at candidates' social media profiles to get a better picture of the individual. You can use this to get ahead by including your social media handles in your CV and also engaging in and sharing relevant content through platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Social media is also growing as a portal for job hunters. You can find roles that are suited to your skills and qualifications and also connect with others in that profession.

Remember to make sure that your social media is clean and appropriate for recruiters to view. Refrain from posting compromising or offensive content and make sure you keep your tone, grammar and spelling as professional as possible.