Job search tips that make a real difference…

Whether you’re actively on the hunt for a new role or just passively looking at what’s going on in the job market, we've compiled a few tips to revamp your search to get the best out of your job hunting!

Network, network and network some more!

This is crucial - here at Specialty Fashion Group, the first thing our recruitment team do when embarking on a new search is to review who’s in our network/ talent pool. You need to network and create relationships with recruiters as well as directly with companies you are interested in regardless of job search status. You never know when you will want to tap into your network. Think outside of job hunting; you might want to call on some market intelligence, a consulting offer or competitor information!

You would be surprised at the amount of roles employers do not advertise; therefore don’t rely on your typical job boards, wishing and hoping your dream role will just appear! This is where your network is crucial - key relationships are at a core of how you tackle your job search and networking will be instrumental to finding and securing the perfect job for your career progression.

Follow-up

Do you want to leave a great impression? Do you want to leave a lasting impression? Then follow up!! Make notes of who you have contacted and when, then diarise a follow up with those professionals you want to keep in contact with. A quick phone call, short email or Inmail via LinkedIn means that you remain front of mind and demonstrates your interest in actually working for the company. Persistence is key and it definitely pays off! (Just don’t harass them!)

Get social

Like, share, follow & comment!! Social networking on various platforms is a great way of getting insights into the organisations you are interested in. Companies are increasing turning to social media tools to connect with talent. Sometimes advertising a role but more often than not showcasing what it is like to work for their business. Follow companies that interest you on LinkedIn, like their pictures on Instagram, share their content on Facebook! By becoming their biggest fan and a brand advocate you are demonstrating genuine interest and gaining knowledge about the business.

Identify yourself with a top-notch cover letter and resume

Show your skill set, abilities and accomplishments with a clearly organised and well thought out resume. Here are some tips:

• Don’t over complicate it with fancy font’s and borders
• Check  spelling grammar & syntax 
• Do not include a photo
• Make sure all your contact details are there 
• Check that your work history is chronological 
• Explain any gaps in employment that are longer than six months 
• Keep the length of the document appropriate to the volume of experience you have – if you have two years’ experience don’t send us a seven page resume! 

It won’t be a sure successor to landing you the job, but a bad resume with errors and a poor layout will eliminate you.

Job Alerts

Not actively looking around but still curious to know what’s going on out there in the market? For all the passive job seekers, why not let the jobs come to you? Sign up to receive job listings by email from a range of websites that are tailored to what you are looking for. This tip is a great time-saver plus you can track what’s going on in the market & industry.

As a recruitment team, we encourage our candidates to keep in touch with any changes in their situation even if at the time we don’t have a suitable opportunity. By developing those professional relationships, along with persistence and interest in a company, you’ll be the first to be contacted when a new opportunity arises!

Best of Luck!!!

SFG Recruitment Team xx