Dear Dr. Simcha,
After four years, I’ve finally graduated with my bachelor’s degree. Since July, I’ve been actively looking for a job because I’m not sure if I want to continue studying right away. I also think it’s important to gain some work experience first. But now I’ve been job hunting for two months, and I still haven’t found anything. I’ve had a few interviews, but I keep getting rejected. I’m not even invited for interview and it’s starting to become quite frustrating. Do you have any tips on how I can improve my job applications? Or do you think there might be something wrong with my CV? Thanks for your help!
Congrats on graduating! I know it can be really frustrating to keep getting rejected when you’re job hunting. Just a heads-up, it’s often tougher to find a job during the summer since that’s the time when many companies are slowing down. But it’s awesome that you’re determined to taking the right steps in order to improve your chances. Here are some tips that might help:
CV preparation
- Keep it concise: your CV should be no longer than 2 pages; ideally, 1 page is often sufficient. Even experienced professionals manage to condense their CVs to 1 page, so you can too!
- Be clear and minimalistic: use a clean layout and double-check your CV for spelling errors. A well-organized and easy-to-read CV stands out better.
- Tailor your CV for each application: make sure your CV aligns with the specific job you’re applying for. Only include experience and education relevant to the role. It’s helpful to have different versions of your CV for various jobs. For example, your summer job in hospitality might not be so important for the role you are currently applying for. But if the experience includes relevant leadership skills, include it. If it’s not as relevant, you might consider leaving it out.
- Show your personality: let’s say you’re a bubbly person applying for a role in graphic design, feel free to use vibrant colors that align with your personality. For a more business-oriented position, keep it professional but consider adding a section about your hobbies. For instance, if you like to dance salsa, it could show a personal and unexpected side of you.
Cover letter
A strong cover letter can truly make a difference in your job application. Don’t just explain why you want to work for that particular company – highlight why you are the perfect fit for the role. Show that you’ve researched the company and the position, and clearly demonstrate how your unique skills and experiences align with their needs.
Networking
Many job openings aren’t advertised publicly but are filled through personal connections. Engage with people in your network, attend industry events, and use LinkedIn to make connections in your desired field. Sometimes, a personal recommendation can be far more impactful than a formal application.
- This is a highly effective tool for your job search and is the go-to social media for professional opportunities. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is always up to date!
- Use a professional photo that also shows a bit of your personality, relevant to the industry you’re in.
- Write a headline that clearly states what you do and use the summary section to describe your ambitions and what you bring to the table.
- Provide a brief but detailed description of your responsibilities and skills from previous roles. Keep it short and impactful!
- Connect with as many people as possible in your network and industry. Follow companies you’d like to work for and engage with their posts by sharing your insights or reactions. This shows that you’re actively involved and interested in their activities.
Pro tip 1: consider reaching out to recruitment agencies. They can offer valuable feedback on your CV and LinkedIn profile and assist in your job search.
Pro tip 2: stay active on LinkedIn by spending a few minutes daily on networking activities, like congratulating connections on their birthdays. Regular interaction helps maintain your visibility and keeps your network engaged.
I hope these tips help you in your job search. Best of luck!
Dr. Simcha
