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6 ways to stay job application ready

The job market is very competitive and investing in your professional development by acquiring new skills will make you stand out.

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The job market is very competitive and investing in your professional development by acquiring new skills will make you stand out.

How ready will you be when your dream job comes knocking? Well, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you are well-prepared whenever an opportunity arises. Here are 6 steps to take to ensure you are job application ready.

1. Update your CV and online professional profiles regularly

Ensure your CV and online professional profiles are updated regularly to capture your most recent work experience and achievements. If you undergo any professional training or take up a new course that matches your career path, this should also be included in your CV. Your CV is your handshake to potential employers and should thus be an accurate presentation of who you are. A point to note is that your online professional profile should always reflect what is contained in your CV. 

2. Network

Cultivate relationships with the right people in your industry. Connecting with such individuals will bring you a step closer to getting your dream job as they will always inform you about vacancies in their companies. To succeed in networking, you will have to put yourself out there and meet new people by attending networking events and workshops. Stay in constant communication with the contacts you create and don’t just strike up conversations when looking for a job.

3. Sign up on career development platforms

This is an effective way to ensure you are always aware of the available opportunities in your industry. Fuzu is an effective career development platform that you can leverage on to not only connect you with potential employers but also for career advice and free courses that equip you with the required skills to excel in a particular field.

4. Review your social media profiles

Some employers view the social media profiles of potential new hires to gauge their personality. Be mindful of what you post on social media and steer clear of vulgar language as well as obscene photos and videos. Use your social media accounts to highlight your strengths and showcase the skills and talents that give you an edge over other candidates. If you are a good writer, write meaningful blogs that empower people. If you are a designer or photographer, share samples of your work.

5. Learn new skills

The job market is very competitive and investing in your professional development by acquiring new skills will make you stand out. Volunteer in different projects, register for online courses and attend different workshops that will help you build your skillset. Also, read widely to keep abreast with the latest advancements and trends in your professional field.

6. Stay in touch with your referees

Your referees play a very important role in your job search. Before listing someone as a referee, ensure you have their consent as well as their current contacts. It is important to pick relevant referees such as a former supervisor, mentor, colleague or teacher who you can be in constant communication with to ensure they’ll effectively represent you as a character witness when called upon. If you haven’t spoken with your referees in years and they are not aware of your career journey, it is time you considered updating your list.

 

Written by

Kelvin Mokaya


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