11 ways to improve your job search

By Robert Half on 7th May 2020

Searching for a new job can be a stressful time for anyone. When we combine this with the fact that the world of work has been turned upside down recently, and this is starting to impact the employment market, this can be unsettling.

Finding a job during and post the current crisis will look different, as many businesses in the UAE and across the globe needing to adapt their recruitment cycles. We expect their will be more people looking for work and applying to the same jobs so it will be more important than ever to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd.

Gareth El Mettouri, Associate Director at Robert Half UAE offered insights into the employment market for an article in ZAWYA and noted “We are also seeing a constant demand for positions of financial director and chief financial officer.”

Healthcare, government utility companies, including power, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food-based businesses, also continue to hire at this time to match the demand for their service and customer offering.

“We have placed a number of candidates with companies in their areas, with all of these professionals starting their roles while working from home,” Mettouri added.

Webinar: Securing a role in uncertain times

At Robert Half, we are committed to helping people find the right role. We want to help jobseekers feel confident as they adapt their job search to the new world of work. Victoria Sprott, International Talent Director of Robert Half, who has over 24 years’ experience recruiting and training, will provide practical insights in a 30-min webinar on:

•    The changes we are seeing and expect to see in the job market.
•    Refreshing your CV to get noticed
•    How to adapt your interviewing techniques to make the best virtual impression
•    Tactics to differentiate yourself in a competitive market

11 way to improve your chances of finding a job in the current climate

As you move past the initial shock of unexpectedly losing your job, or proactively decide to move to more robust industries for long-term stability, here are a few tips to give you best chance of getting hired:

  1. Set yourself SMART goals to keep your job search focused and positive. Regularly reviewing your goals daily and weekly will give you a sense of progress.
     
  2. Update your CV and cover letter to accurately reflect your skills and achievements and the potential you have to offer an employer. Don’t forget to tailor it for each role you apply for.

    Related: How to effectively write your CV
     

  3. Don’t undervalue your soft-skills as flexibility, adaptability, self-motivation, innovation and positivity particularly during time of uncertainty can be a real advantage.
     
  4. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and accurately reflect your CV to maximise your chances of getting noticed.

    Related: LinkedIn profile tips every professional should know
     

  5. While on LinkedIn, consider who in your network you might be able to approach who can support your job search. Are there any specific companies or target industries your skillsets would be valuable to right now?
     
  6. Set aside time to update or expand your skillsets. Think about how could diversify your career by adding to your current skills.

    Related: Here at Robert Half we want to help you stay competitive in today's career environment, that's why we offer our candidates free access to e-Learning, our programme of online training courses.
     

  7. Upload your CV to recruitment sites, where consultants will review your qualifications and experience, then match you to relevant, open positions.
     
  8. Spend some time researching the company. Review the company website, if they have released any new solutions, their social media channels as well as their financial reports for insights into the goals and mission of the business.
     
  9. Start practising your video job interview techniques now. Find a well-lit space and dress professionally as if you were going to an in-person interview. Pay close attention to your facial expression, tone of voice and body language to effectively build a rapport with the hiring manager.
     
  10. Prepare your answers for common interview questions and use the STAR method for answering competency-based interview questions.
     
  11. End the interview on a high with a strong close. Make sure that you have interview questions prepared for the hiring manager and reinforce your interest for the role, and why you think you would be a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback straight after the interview as well.

Many companies are already adapting their business models and innovative companies will emerge through this period of change. We are working with companies every day looking for skilled candidates for their open roles in the UAE, and candidates are finding new opportunities as a result.

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