6 Things to Know When Applying for Jobs in 2021

The First Quarter of the year is the best times to start job hunting. The beginning of the year is when many companies recruit suitable candidates.

According to a research carried out by career builder revealed that; “4 in 10 companies planned to add to their head count in the first quarter of the year”.This simply means that employers will be on the lookout for great talents to join their organizations.

That’s all the more reason to take advantage of this time to ensure a strong start in your job search come January, February and March – three of the best months for getting hired.

It can be exhausting to dip your toe into the job search pool, particularly if you have been doing it for a while or if you are hoping to make a career change.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take now to make sure you’re the best candidate possible for the job. There are few things you need to do before you send your application:

Here are 6 Things to know when applying for Job:

1. Work on your online reputation

Many individuals use their social media accounts as simply social networks, updating status casually and posting photos with little intention of scrutiny.

It’s not wrong to use social media for fun, because that’s what they’re for. Don’t run off from your social media site and delete any funny moment; no employer expects or wants that. A little awareness, however, will go a long way.

According to a 2018 survey of hiring managers and human resources managers by CareerBuilder, a job seeker who has no online visibility is handicapped in their job search:

Reviewing the social media accounts of candidates is becoming common for several employers and admissions offices. Recruiters say that social media helps them to get a candidate’s more realistic understanding than a flat cover letter and resume.

The web presence of a candidate may help or hurt an offer based on recruiters interpreting what they discover. This is especially true for students or recent graduates who are unable to help their application with a comprehensive work experience.

LinkedIn’s Most Social Media Recruiting Manager Research Candidates. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is more professional and attractive.

2. Tailoring your Application

It could be time to change your strategy if you feel like you’re sending off rafts of applications with little progress. Tailoring your application (Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter) for each particular position to which you apply is a vital part of your job search process.

The difference between your resume ending up in the YES or NO pile can mean customizing your application. The process of tailoring your resume can sound time-consuming, but we advise you to put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and ask yourself,’ What’s in it for me? Your job application should immediately highlight you as someone who can add value in the role.

Writing a good Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter will help you convince the recruiter that you are the best person asides from other candidates. – see our previous article

3. Highlight your Skills

When you’re applying for a job, the skills you put on the application are a critical part of your submission. Your skills demonstrate what you are capable of contributing to the role, which will help hiring managers determine if you will be able to fulfill the duties of the position you are seeking.

It’s important to list your hard skills, such as your experience of certain business tasks, and your soft skills, such as problem solving and creativity. While the knowledge and skills required may vary from job to job, it’s imperative that in your application forms you convey how you’ve gained the core attributes that you think would make you a worthwhile addition to the organization.

Here are 15 most in-demand skills that will help you get hired in 2021 – LinkedIn

Hard Skills

• Analytical Reasoning
• Affiliate Marketing
• Sales
• Scientific Computing
• Video Production
• Blockchain
• Cloud and Distributed Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• UX Design
• Scientific Computing

Soft Skills

• Creativity
• Persuasion
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Emotional Intelligence

N.B – All the skills mentioned above can be learnt on several platforms called MOOCs. Examples of these platforms are Udemy, Cousera, EdX, Saylor Academy, Alison, etc. at subsidized rates. These platforms, sometimes, have free courses you can take to learn these skills.

4. Prepare for interview

You’ve received a call/email for that job, so you are preparing for interview. If you have been allowing your interviews to ride you, then you must think about new strategies this New Year. The job interview is not a time for you to meet with the recruiter or employer, but it is a time for you to show that you have the skills and abilities required to do the job.

It is important you put in the work for every job interview invite, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for a successful interview. 

Here are Hints that will help know how you can prepare for job interviews.

• Carefully read and understand the job description so that you can have an idea of what is required of you.
• Research the company and role before going for the interview.
• Dress for Success
• Tell your career stories at your job interview
• Show enthusiasm for the organization without selling yourself too hard
• Ask questions that get interviewers talking
• Practice, practice, practice before you go for the interview.

5. Contact Employers that you are interested In

If you don’t have any connections with the employer, reach out to employees who work in the department where the company is hiring. This is a great way to network and sneak your way into a company.

Don’t start your message indicating that you’re desperate for work. Let the conversation flow naturally.

Also, research professional associations in your industry to see what virtual networking events are taking place in the coming weeks. Many of these are free to attend.

Once you’re ready to contact some employees, add them on LinkedIn or send an email. Introduce yourself and explain you’re interested in learning more about their company. These employees might be able to offer some tips on how to apply for the job and some insight about what it’s like to work for their employer.

6. Be Positive

When you’ve been job searching for some time, it’s hard to not feel frustrated. Every time you don’t hear back from a potential employer or don’t get the job after an interview can lead to feelings of sadness and defeat. 

keep in mind that a company’s hiring is contingent on needs, irrespective of the time of year. So, don’t feel discouraged if you are yet to be giving employment. Instead, maintain a positive attitude. Listen to motivational podcasts, read books, journal your goals and stay productive.  

Being positive is crucial to job search success. Opportunity will surely come!