Essential Job Search Tips for Success in Ireland

Searching for a new job can be a long and frustrating process, but our essential job search tips will help to increase your chances of success and give you a better way to approach securing the job you want. We have many years of experience in working with employers and talented job seekers, finding great connections and giving you the best chance of getting the job of your dreams.

Whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder with your current employer or you want to find a challenging new position with a company you aim to work for, working with a professional recruitment agency can give you the best chance of success. Here, we share our top tips for making the job search process easier and more effective, so read on for new ideas and information.

Top tips to success in your job search

Maximising your chance of getting the job you want doesn’t have to be a complicated process. It will take time and commitment, but you can follow our simple tips to improve your outcomes. There are several areas to address, and we’ll work through these, in turn, to establish where you can make changes to make your job search more effective.

We’ll look at resume writing, networking and interview preparation, finding out how to work on each of these to give you the best chance of securing a new job.

Writing your resume

Your resume is your first introduction to the company or job you want, so it’s important to make sure it’s the very best it can be to make a great impression. Writing a resume is a tricky process and it’s worth putting in the effort to get it right. Follow our easy tips to optimise your resume today:

1. Be specific. Always tailor your resume to the specific job you want, rather than sending out a standard resume to several different companies/roles. Your resume should be designed to show how your skillset matches the job description perfectly so it should be written to the job specification for the role you are applying for. Aim to pick out several points on the preferred person specification as well as the core requirements and illustrate how you meet these, too.

1. Include all relevant information. Don’t make a rookie error and forget to include your contact details or omit the work history section from your resume. Take your time to ensure you have all the information you need included in your resume and that it is clear and easy to read. Get a trusted friend or family member to check it for you and don’t risk having your application rejected for this reason.

1. Check spelling and grammar. If you’re trying to impress with your resume, don’t send it off without having it thoroughly checked and proofread by a friend or family member who is skilled in this area. Ensure that your spelling and grammar are perfect since errors will not give a good impression of your approach to your work, and showcase your professionalism in the way you use your writing and layout to make a positive impact.

1. Keep it concise. Your resume should be concise and well-written, allowing you to detail all of your relevant experience and skills, but do not be tempted to include irrelevant information or qualifications that are not related to this role. If you have completed courses that have increased your skillset in the desired area, that will help to show your prospective employer that you are committed and a good fit for the company, so these should be included. However, if you have taken courses in other areas, these will not be helpful to include.

1. Demonstrate your skills. Don’t leave your reader wondering why you are applying for this role, but take the time to demonstrate exactly what makes you a good fit for the job and the company. Your resume and cover letter can be a great place to showcase examples from your previous roles in which you have shown the required skill and aptitude for this job and you should mention examples you can draw upon in an interview to increase your chances of success.

Networking

Networking is a vital skill when you’re in the process of looking for a new role, and it’s important to make the most of it. When you’re developing a network, it can help to identify what you are looking for in your new role and who may be able to help with this. Make a list of all of the current contacts you have and consider where they may be able to help extend your network by introducing you to new people and companies.

If you are not making the most of your online presence, you’re missing a trick. Polishing up your LinkedIn profile and connecting with others in your industry can be a great way to build new relationships with prospective employers and team members and it’s a really good opportunity to get your name known and increase your chances of being headhunted or recommended by others.

Interview Preparation

Securing an interview is excellent news! Now you have a chance to shine and demonstrate to a new employer why you are the best possible option for this role. This is an important moment, and it requires some practice to get it right. Ask a friend or member of your family to help you with your interview preparation and take the time to develop your interview style and sample responses.

When you are invited to interview, ensure you respond promptly and politely, accepting the offer. This is an opportunity to check any details you may need to clarify. Once you know where and when you will be interviewed, you can then begin to prepare for the process, checking the format of the interview and, if possible, finding out whether you will be interviewed by a panel, a recruitment officer or your prospective employer. This will make a difference to the way your interview proceeds, so it is worth finding out as much as you can about it.

Choosing what to wear for an interview may seem unimportant, but it is worth considering the impression you will make. Dressing for professionalism is crucial – do not be tempted to wear very casual clothes even if you believe the company to have a casual dress culture. It’s vital to show that you take the interview process seriously and that you are committed to your work.

There are many standard interview questions that you can practice with a friend or relative, and these include questions that are designed to bring out elements of your personality and your attitude to your work that will be helpful to your interviewer. Think about how you can answer these questions to demonstrate your skillset and your character and don’t be tempted to share hilarious anecdotes that show off your wacky sense of humour, for instance, as you risk alienating your interviewer and coming across as unprofessional.

Don’t forget to practice walking into the room and greeting your interviewer confidently. Small details can make a big difference here and getting feedback on the way you come across can help a great deal. Aim for calm and friendly, and you’ll soon begin building rapport with your interviewer.

Work with a Recruitment Agency In Ireland

Working with a Recruitment Agency can help you to make your job search more successful, giving you professional advice on your resume and interview style. If you’re searching for a new job in Ireland, talking to us can make the process easier, matching you with desirable positions and giving you the very best chance of securing the job you are dreaming of.

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist recruitment firm, based in Cork, Shannon and Galway, and we can help you find the top talent for your business in Ireland. We specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland, and we look forward to working with you. Contact us online now or call us at +353 (0) 21 206 1900 to arrange a consultation.

Conor Twomey

Contract Recruitment Manager – Cork/Shannon Offices

Conor is a sales professional with approx. 14 years experience in the Recruitment, Property and Advertising industries.
Conor has a background in engineering recruitment for clients based in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors throughout Ireland.
He holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management and he is also a qualified auctioneer.
Conor joined CareerWise in June 2016 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant.

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