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This is how you increase your chances of that new job

two women looking and laughing at a computer taking notes

Are you looking for a new job? Applying during the corona period requires just a slightly different approach when searching. With these tips, you are very well prepared to increase your chances of landing that job.

Also read: avoid these mistakes in a job interview at all costs

1. Pre-applying: references and recommendations
Make sure you have references from your previous employer(s) or clients before you start applying. The best is to ask your direct supervisor for a reference. You can share this with potential clients. Nothing is more annoying than having to call your former supervisor for a reference at the last minute. Also ask your (former) manager or direct colleagues to write a reference about you on LinkedIn.

2. Upgrade your CV
Before you start applying, it is important that you have added your most relevant work experience to your CV. Make sure that your CV is neat and clearly organized and avoid unnecessary information. If you are a starter, a CV of one A4 is sufficient. Do you already have more work experience? Then make sure your CV consists of a maximum of two A4 pages. This way, it is immediately clear where you have gained work experience and what skills you possess.

You have a better chance of that one nice job if you give your CV a personal twist. Include a personal text in your CV of no more than four lines, this way you distinguish yourself from other applicants. Keep it really short and concise and personal, as you will discuss your motivation in your cover letter and not in your CV.

3. Focus on different sectors
Don't get fixated on one particular sector or industry, but look at which sectors currently have many job vacancies. This way, you increase your chances of a new job. Also check whether you need to have a specific background or work experience. If the need is high, such as for certain positions that are currently in high demand due to corona, a specific background may not always be a must, but you can be trained internally.

4. Don't make hasty decisions

This point indirectly relates to increasing your chances of a new job. It is extremely important to take the time to reflect and ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Why did you stop your previous job?
  2. What made you happy in your previous job?
  3. What would you absolutely do differently in a new job?

In short, ask yourself questions about where you currently stand in your career and what is important to you in a new job. Maybe it's time for a career switch or you want to take a course. Perhaps this is the moment to change direction.

5. Use your network
“It's not about who you are, but about who you know”

In the case of jobs, this saying is indispensable. People in your network can open doors for you that may have been closed before. Mention on LinkedIn that you are looking and you can also reach out to your personal circle.

6. Write a convincing cover letter
Have you seen a cool position? Then there is a good chance that you need to write a cover letter so that the organization can learn more about you. To write a convincing cover letter, always make the connection between your personality, skills, and qualities with those of the company and the position you are applying for. Avoid standard opening lines, such as: ‘I saw your vacancy on LinkedIn and was immediately interested...’ Distinguish yourself from other applicants by starting with a personal piece about yourself and a specific experience that drew your attention to this vacancy. Also try to answer these questions in the cover letter:

  • Why do you fit within the organization?
  • Which (work) experiences of yours are relevant?
  • What do you bring to the organization?

Also read: these are the most inappropriate questions asked during a job interview.

Text: Women's Affairs