Written By Max Loong

With the new year approaching, we know some are already preparing themselves up for a job change. There are tons of Job Search advice you can find on the web, and you might find it overwhelming. So instead of giving apparent job-search advice, we want to share some guiding principles that will make you stand out in the job market.

We say it’s for 2021, but it’s actually job search advice that will stand the test of time.

1. Making your resume the obvious fit 

The one mindset that has to change about resumes is that there is no “one size fits all”. That’s because the job requirement description for an Accountant from a company can be different from another. And with Applicant Tracking Systems coming into the picture – where they only filter resumes with specific keywords before passing them to human readers, you can miss out on good opportunities if use the same resume all the time.

Treat your resume as living, breathing documents throughout your job search and career. It is worthwhile to consistently review your resume, don’t be afraid to modify wording, switch around key terms, and swap bullet points in and out. Also, do remember to make it very simple for computer and human to quickly identify that you are who they are exactly looking for.

2. Go beyond Online Applications 

Most people think that refining resumes and dropping them through online applications are everything that constitutes a job search process. If landing to a dream job is your goal, you cannot just afford to be most people. We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again.

Don’t stop once you applied online for a position. Make full use of this application by connecting with people working at that company of interest. Ask them questions about working in the company, even better if you approach an internal recruiter. Get on the radar of the very people who might influence you getting an interview.

Your network is your net worth. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and constantly network with people in the same industry as you. You get to gain more insights on your industry and see how other professionals work, you might just learn a thing or two. Who will be the first person your connections think of when a new job opportunity arises? You!

3. Embrace Lifelong Learning

“We are moving towards an increasingly competitive job market with more demand for candidates with newer skills.” This generic sentence is true in some sense, but not entirely accurate. Because the same can be said 20 years ago. The truth is that change is always constant. As innovation changes the demand for work, we should take steps to constantly grow ourselves too.

While you are focusing on doing your job well, remember to take some time to upskill and grow yourself. Know that there’s always something new to learn every day will keep you grounded, knowledgeable, and valuable as an employee in any company. Not sure of where to start? Here are some suggestions for skills in high demand that can stand the test of time.

4. Go the extra mile

If you have read until this point, you probably understand that this point is the general idea of our advice. Who doesn’t like an employee who goes the extra mile? It can be a hassle to do something extra that sometimes won’t directly give you positive results, but the things that you do shows who you are as a person and a lasting impression to recruiters. Building a reputation as a good candidate takes work, but it’s definitely worth your time in the long run. Likeable, memorable candidates are mostly always the ones who go the distance.

It is always the accumulation of small actions that count. Some examples of going the extra mile can be:

• Doing extensive research on the company (not just reading the “About Us” page of their website)
• Writing a customised cover letter
• Remembering your interviewer names
• Sending a personalised thank you letter following an interview

The truth is that there are many capable candidates out there, and so are you. To prove your worth, you will need to take some initiative and show them how your skillsets can benefit a company. Nothing says more about a candidate who is pro-active and inquisitive.

Now, go forth and make yourself shine!

Find out more about Reeracoen’s Career Consultation Services and how our Career Advisors can assist you in your career journey.