Top Strategies to Prepare You for Your Job Hunt, Backed by Insights

If you’re like most jobseekers, you go on a job hunt thinking about what an employer can offer you. It's a valid feeling – after all, in the era of work-life balance, you must be able to weigh in on whether a job is worth it or not. But until you get the hiring sheet, have you thought about what you bring to their table throughout the application and screening process?

Job recruiters have reported feeling frustrated by underqualified and unprofessional applicants. Such findings reveal a new perspective on the job hunt - for your dream company to have you on board, you’ll need a job search strategy highlighting your proper knowledge and preparation to succeed in your search for employment.

Here is an infographic to give you an overview of the playing field that jobseekers currently find themselves in:

What Is Job Hunting and How Can I Prepare for It?

Job hunting is exactly how it sounds. It is when you seek employment due to the lack of a position or the desire to acquire a better role.

While Singapore is notorious for having the most lucrative job opportunities, it ironically has a low employment rate because of the exceptionally high standards required for these roles. What's more, as the region's financial centre, Singapore is attractive to foreigners armed with impressive qualifications, increasing competition among jobseekers.

Thus, you must prepare for your job search and cut through the fold to ensure security and growth. You can prepare for your job hunt by optimising your resume, appearing professional in interviews, and targeting industries and positions best suited for you. Read on to learn more.

Strategies for a Better Job Hunt

Optimise your resume.

More than the lack of experience in skills, the most common and embarrassing reason why applicants fail to get the job is because of typographical errors in their resumes. Don’t miss out on a role because of carelessness. More than just a seemingly simple slip of the finger, hirers may think you do not have an eye for detail, which is crucial for most roles.

Be sure to review every detail in your CV as well as you can. Sending your resume in a pdf format can protect it from messy formatting adjustments.

For every new application you send on your job hunt, give your resume a once-over and update it with any new skills or experience you acquired or highlight the qualities that fit the specific position you are applying for. Take care to match your cover letter to the role, too. For example, if you are applying to a management job, then be sure to include all your leadership experience and edit out skills and experiences irrelevant to your desired position.

Narrow down your job search to the positions that are most appropriate for you.

The competition in Singapore’s job market is fierce, and although it’s not what you want to imagine, chances are that there will be a more qualified candidate for some positions you are applying for. Strategising how to pitch yourself is crucial.

Applying to a position for which you are remotely qualified is a waste of time and energy for you and the recruiter. While it is not unusual to settle for a role that may not be your dream job, try to stick to your strengths and needs. Be as selective as you can in your job search, prioritising the jobs that most match your skills and salary requirement before shopping around for alternate options or aiming higher than what you currently have to offer.

Do your research on the position for which you are applying.

Before thinking about how to impress at your interview, you should be sure that you know what the position in question requires from a candidate – as well as the valuable skills and traits you have to offer that position. Taking the time to learn about what the company needs and making your case for how you can fulfil them leaves a lasting impression on your interviewer. It also saves you from getting into a situation with pitfalls, such as disagreeable work hours and tasks beyond your capacity.

Determine the salary range that fits your needs and lifestyle.

First and foremost, a job is for fulfilling your financial needs. Whatever role you score in your job hunt, ask about the salary range, including benefits and bonuses to see if it can support your lifestyle. No matter how fulfilling a role may seem, it won’t last if it does not help you pay the bills. In the case that you can’t find a role that is a good fit for your skills and your expected salary, think long-term and select jobs with the greatest potential for salary growth.

Improve your marketability as an applicant.

Technology and globalisation have resulted in a wider pool of applicants applying for a smaller but more critical number of roles due to machine automation. These days, grit is a non-negotiable in cutting through the fold and snagging that dream job. Keep yourself valuable as an applicant, and job opportunities are bound to come your way.

Update and upgrade your professional skills.

With technology permeating nearly every industry known today, in-demand skills and positions are constantly evolving. Your best bet to stay relevant is to keep updated on the new software used in your industry and take certifications for your application to match the current hottest skill sets. You can also upgrade your marketability as an applicant by pursuing higher education or short courses that give you an advantage over other jobseekers and diversify your skills for a broader range of roles you can fill. Always future-proof your relevance through upskilling and reskilling.

Be diligent with updating your online profile and resume every time you have new skills and experiences. After all, whether you’re employed or not, it’s always good to be open to opportunities that could advance your career.

Make sure to ace your job interview.

Your job interview is the company’s first impression of you, and what can make or break your chances of moving forward with your application. Show your professionalism by arriving on time, or at least calling your interviewer to inform them if you will be late or need to reschedule. Remember that job interviews are formal, so maintain a professional demeanour and refrain from mentioning anything inappropriate or too personal. Research the company’s culture so you can match their dress code and level of formality to show that you are a perfect fit.

Read career advice articles on job websites.

You must equip yourself with the latest trends in job roles, skill sets, and hiring etiquette to prepare for the job-hunting environment you’re about to face. Take advantage of job websites’ career advice sections which are constantly updated with new information to help you land your dream job!

Make that network work.

Although there is no shortage of online listings for job openings, a significant fraction of job openings courses through referrals or professional groups. You can cast a much wider net for your best job match if you are active in networking events. Maintain good working relationships with people in your industry and inform the people you know when looking for a job. Perhaps they can lead you in the correct direction.

Now that you’re prepared for your job hunt fully, get going and#SEEKBetteropportunities! Upload your profile on JobStreet to find the best match for your skills and expertise. You can also download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play for easier access to our roster of openings. Visit our Career Resources Hub for more tips to help you land your dream job.