I’ve been out of work for a year, how do I get back into the job market?
During the IG Live session, one of our guests popped a question that he’s been out of a job for a year, and would like to know how to get back to work.
Read our best advice below:
There are currently over 21 million people without a job.
Many applicants are faced with fierce competition to secure a job.
So the question is, how do you stand out amidst this competition?
Here are our best tips!
Analyze your current skills
Before you start applying for jobs or sending out your CV, you should take time to analyze your skills and strengths.
Also, go back and review your previous expertise from other work experience or projects.
To see where to improve, take a note paper and pen and jot down all your skills that need publishing.
Do your homework
Research and identify the skills or expertise needed and expected from prospective employers in the current market.
Once you’ve done that, match your skills with the in-demand jobs so that you can train to get qualified for job openings.
Identify your strength and sell yourself
You can’t sell value if you don’t know what you are selling. You must identify your strengths and market value all the time.
Once you’ve done that, you should create a professional résumé, cover letter and develop a branded LinkedIn profile that will depict your expertise to employers.
Reconnect with your network
Don’t be reluctant to approach your former colleagues. Reach out to them and share your out-of-job experience.
They are likely going to refer for job opportunities at their firm.
Brush up on your interviewing skills
Learning what questions to expect and how to share your qualifications and expertise with confidence takes practice.
Holding mock interviews is an essential step in job-search preparation, especially if you’ve been out of work for a long while.
Hiring managers often find that some job candidates appear beaten down by their unemployment. So, keep your interview skills sharp and practice describing what excites you about the position and the employer.