Planning to get back to your career after a break? Before you start searching for jobs, there are many factors to consider, from researching and preparing your résumé to reaching out to your old networks and creating new ones.
These six tips should help in scoring your first job interview.
1. Apart from going through job lists, search for companies
Admittedly, it is easier to find jobs in pre-existing lists. But instead of a conventional job search, try to find the company first, followed by the roles you might be interested in.
Prioritise organisations you would want to work in to build more relevancy into your résumé and knowledge about the company before the interview.
2. Get Social
Kick-start your social media and let your connections know that you are interested in picking up you career again.
Reach out to old friends and colleagues for recommendations and referrals.
Build connections through any organisation you may be involved in, such as the school’s Parent Teacher Association.
3. Set aside time every day for your job search
Set aside at least an hour a day, free from other distractions, for your job search. Use the time you have set for making use of job alerts and notifications on job sites. Generally, most listings on job sites are added on weekdays.
4. Update your résumé and prepare a cover letter
Returning back to the workforce, especially after a long absence, requires time to get back on top of things.
If your skills and education are slightly out of touch, take online courses or attend webinars to brush up on your skills and include them on your résumé.
Showcase your experience, education and proficiencies in your résumé and cover letter by tailoring them to fit every position you are looking to apply for.
5. Get into LinkedIn groups
Finding connections and referrals is much easier via LinkedIn groups. Are you a business development manager? Look for relevant business groups and join them.
Comment on posts, give feedback and answer questions. There could even be job opportunities that are not being advertised anywhere else except in the group.
6. Consider working on contract or part time
It can take time to land a full-time role and if you are urgently looking for a job, try working on a contract basis or part time. A temporary job can help you brush up your skills.
There is even a possibility to convert it into a full-time job if you excel in the position, or as a stepping stone to career advancement.
Check out community platforms that provide outsource tasks and services such as Airtasker, apart from searching on part-time job sites.
This article first appeared in jobstore.com
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