LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW?
Maybe you’ve just quit your job. Maybe you want to move jobs. Maybe you’ve just graduated. Or maybe you’ve been let go. Whatever the reason may be, you are now faced with the daunting task of finding your next opportunity. This can at times seem never-ending, with little light at the end of the tunnel. But we want to take you on a journey into work. A path that is clearly laid out step-by-step, using the technology we now have to give you a competitive edge, and ultimately, turn the job search experience into a hassle-free adventure.
From discovering advice on the art of social media, how to approach the job search, standing out in your application right through to nailing your interview and making it over the finish line. We have everything you need right here.
Settle into Tempo’s Ultimate Guide and you’ll have a job in no time.
JUMP TO SECTION
USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO GET A JOB
Build your brand
Social media is an increasingly popular method among employers for finding new candidates. 73 percent of candidates found their last job through a social media platform. Therefore, the use of them in your job hunt is a no brainer.
Make sure to give your profiles a little spring clean. After all, your social media presence is an extension of your resumé, and something employers will look at when they are looking to hire you.
How do you come across? We all like to let our hair down from time to time but broadcasting this online won’t always paint you in the best light. So either update your privacy settings or get rid of any photos that may deter a future employer.
It’s all in the profile picture. For Linkedin, keep it professional, good quality, and have a clear background. For other channels, such as Facebook or Instagram, just make sure you’re not doing anything inappropriate in your profile picture.
Have an eye for grammar. You don’t want to look lazy with silly spelling mistakes or poor grammar. Be sure to check through posts, especially on Linkedin. You can either do this yourself or use tools such as Grammarly. It gives off a good impression to those nosy employers checking you out.
Give yourself a search. By having a look at what comes up when you search yourself on Google, you’ll know what the general public can see. And then you can either report videos or photos of you that you never gave permission for, or take down any you have control of.
Make yourself known. On Linkedin, continuously update your bio to keep employers in the loop about your current situation, including indicating that you are “open to new opportunities.” That way anyone visiting your profile will immediately know that you are actively looking.
Show there’s more to you. On all social media platforms, you can shout about your passions outside of work with a simple hashtag, link or tags. Whether it’s netball on the side or a passion for poetry – these things leave a great personal impression on a future employer.
Tap into your network
You can cultivate relationships and build connections with influential people on both Twitter and Linkedin.
- Go for quality over quantity. It’s not about the number of people you follow but about who you follow. With the right engaging content and meaningful interactions, other connections will naturally fall into place.
- Avoid the hard sell. Don’t self-promote on social media. It’s obvious and pushes people away. Employers will respond better to someone who provides value and doesn’t make it all about them.
- Be engaged. Post interesting things such as how-to videos, blogs, and relevant market insights, as well as resharing and engaging with other people’s content, to create a community of like-minded people.
THE JOB HUNT
Time to turn to tech
There are a number of places where you can embark on your job hunt. But you shouldn’t rely on just one. Aim to keep up to date with a few different sources, as new opportunities will constantly arise across different platforms.
GOV.UK’s ‘Find a job’ service: The name pretty much sums it up. By using this service you can search and apply for thousands of jobs. Head over to the government’s official website, click “Start now” and check out a range of full-time or part-time jobs in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Direct contact with employers: Even if a company isn’t actively hiring for the role you’re looking for, there is nothing stopping you from reaching out. Proactivity is key. Remember, on average people receive 100 emails a day, so create an eye-catching subject line or yours will fall to the wayside.
*Top tip: One of the top opened subject lines is solely the name of their company – it’s as simple as that.
There are multiple tools that have sneaky ways of grabbing the right email address.
Here are two that we recommend you use:
Kendo-Linkedin Email Finder – It’s a free Linkedin email finder chrome extension that lets you find personal and business email addresses directly from Linkedin profiles. This way you can connect to the right people and not end up with a bunch of bounced emails.
Swordfish – This tool aims to save time and make connecting to business opportunities easier, whilst making sure they are also authentic. With a free installation on Chrome, you can find personal mobile numbers, business direct dials, personal emails and business emails.
Online jobs marketplace
In today’s world, you can find pretty much anything at the click of a button, including job boards. But do you really fancy sending your CV into the ether – probably to never even hear back? Do you really want to be bombarded with hundreds of irrelevant roles? We all know it’s good to cast your net, but when all you end up bringing in are hundreds of dead ends it’s probably time to pick a more fruitful spot.
That’s where platforms such as Tempo come in. It is your one-stop-shop for your next work adventure whereby simply creating your profile you are matched to the UK’s fastest-growing companies. It is a great way for you to connect with employers instantly – and removes all the hassle that you get with your typical recruitment agencies.
All it takes is 3 simple steps to get hired:
Create a profile
Your profile acts as a digital CV and contains all the information employers want to know, from skills and experience to expected salary and availability. You even have the ability to upload a video to let your personality shine through.
Browse jobs
You’ll see a list of instantly matched jobs suited to you. We get exciting new opportunities every day, and you’ll be able to see key information like pay, dress code, and company culture upfront. Simply hit the “Apply” button on a job to submit your application.
Get hired!
You can receive interview requests and even job offers from companies directly within the platform. Our fastest placement happened in just 27 minutes, and nearly two-thirds of employers hiring on Tempo make an offer within one week.
One candidate, Tiah, signed up to Tempo and within a few days, she landed an Operations Support role for fast-growing startup Nextdoor. Nearly a year on and she is now Neighbour Operations Team Lead. Check out her full story here.
Networking sites
Linkedin. It’s well known that this platform is a great way to create connections with influential people and bolster your personal brand, but it’s also a great place to search for jobs. All you need to do is log into Linkedin, go to the “Jobs” section, and begin your search using the filters to get the results you are looking for.
Facebook. This platform has become more than a fun place to connect with friends. There are millions of active users and a new Jobs on Facebook feature, which has led to employers now listing opportunities on their accounts. With the click of a button, your hub for social interaction is also the place for a job connection.
Global reach
With businesses now globally accessible due to the rise of remote hiring, you can pick from companies anywhere in the world without having to move.
You are no longer bound by geography, you can spread your wings nationwide and overseas, increasing the chance of finding the perfect role for you. All thanks to the power of technology.
Expand your job search
It’s good to know what you want in life. It helps you to have a goal to aim for. But being open-minded and flexible to various opportunities will not only open doors to new experiences, but also teach you valuable new skills.
So when an opportunity arises that may not be the exact role you are looking for, don’t be afraid to make the most of it. You will develop a more well-rounded skill set that is then transferable to future roles, giving you that extra competitive edge as you will have more to bring to the table. You may even discover a new and exciting career path to what you first set out to find.
This was the case for one of our candidates, Alec. He was looking for a position in marketing but when he landed a sales role at Uber Eats through Tempo, he jumped on the chance to get some great hands-on training and is absolutely loving it there.
Don’t shy away from something that isn’t exactly what you want – it will help you climb the ladder in the working world that much quicker.
THE APPLICATION
Build the perfect CV
Employers have the difficult task of choosing between candidates whose CVs often look hugely similar: Hardworking with great interpersonal skills. Seen it all before. So how do they differentiate those that are right for the job?
This is where you need to make sure your CV has all the right things so that it immediately makes it onto the “Yes” pile.
Here are some top tips for building the perfect CV:
The basic information. Keep this short but sweet. Always include your name, email and phone number at the top of your CV. Your whole address is no longer compulsory but including your town and county to give employers an idea of where you are based.
Personal statement. This should be a short, punchy paragraph that uses buzzwords that employers can skim at a glance, highlighting your key skills and experiences. Keep it targeted to the role you are applying for and employers will be enticed to read on.
Work experience. Start with your most recent job and work backward, giving employment dates, your job title and the company. For each role detail your key responsibilities, skills and achievements, using quantifiable evidence to highlight the value that you can bring to the table.
Education. Again, start with the most recent form of education. Include the name of the institution, dates of study and the qualification awarded, the qualification and your grades. If you have little work experience you can bulk this section up with key modules, projects and skills you developed.
Extracurricular activities or side-hustles. List what you did and any qualifications you gained from it. These are a great way to highlight that you have more to offer than just grades. See below in “Develop and show off your soft skills” on how you can make the most of these in your application.
Tailor your CV to every application. You need to target each CV application to the job you are applying for and not use generic buzzwords – hiring managers see this every day. Be sure to identify the key requirements and that your CV is tailored to these to make you stand out as the perfect fit for the role.
On Tempo, your profile is essentially your CV. Be sure to really flesh it out.
Here’s how:
Develop and show off your soft skills
You want to make it clear why you’re the right person for the company you are applying for. And having the right soft skills is valuable to employers. A recent study that we did showed that 74 percent of businesses believed that hiring people with good soft skills is more important than ever before.
What are soft skills? Well, from the study we did, these are the top nine most valued by employers ranked by importance.
Here’s how to highlight soft skills in your application:
- Draw on your side-hustles. Soft skills are not something that can just be taught in a class. You develop them through different experiences, passions and hobbies. That’s why having side-hustles adjacent to your work helps you develop these valuable skills. Be sure to highlight this on your application.
- Lay them out clearly. State the activity and describe what it entailed. Highlighting the experience and skills you gained from it and how those skills are transferable to the role you are applying for. Be sure to give examples and specific details.
- Read the job description thoroughly. Don’t just throw a bunch of activities into a list that says nothing about how it applies to the role. Look for how your side-hustles and the soft skills you have developed from them tie into what the job is expecting from you.
One of Tempo’s candidates Niti, actress, comedian and writer, is the perfect example of someone who has developed soft skills by having more than just a job. We even have nine other candidates who are nailing this new world of work. Watch all their videos here.
Stand out from the crowd
How do you land your dream role when you’re up against hundreds of other applicants? You need to make sure that you stand out from the crowd. In this day and age of technology, you can go so much further than just a piece of paper with a list of your achievements.
Ash Young, Managing Director of Evolut, says “Anything that makes your CV and application stand out will get you to the top of the list and make sure you’re remembered.”
For starters, why not put a face to your name? By recording a video you can highlight why you’d be good for the role in your own unique way. It lets your personality shine through and ultimately gives you the best chance of leaving a long-lasting impression. In fact, on our Tempo platform, you are able to record a video of yourself for employers to see. And we have found you are seven times more likely to get hired if you have one.
There are also many other ways to get creative and make your application one to remember. You can send self-promotional mailers to the employer or turn your application into an interactive game. Be sure to keep it charming and relevant to the industry you are applying for so that it will be taken seriously by the employer.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to really stand out from the crowd, check out these 10 applications that aren’t short of innovation.
THE INTERVIEW
Research is key
- Research the product or service. No matter what your role is you need to understand the main products, what the company is offering, and what’s happening within the industry. Highlight your extensive knowledge of these things as it will put you streaks ahead of everyone else.
- Research the role and job description. Know what the job is asking from you. The job description is essentially your checklist of the qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Be sure to align yourself with these showing that you know the requirements and responsibilities expected of you.
- Research the company culture. Most companies will have social media accounts, written blogs, shared articles on Linkedin and most likely have a company section on their website. Check these out as it will help you to gauge the tone, values and personality of the company. It’s important to show you are on the same page as them culture-wise.
Be prepared for common questions
Why are you the right person for this role? Have a good understanding of how you’re qualified, why you’re interested in the opportunity, and what you are going to bring to the table, giving examples of where you have shown these skills in the past.
Why do you want to work here? Learn about the products, services, mission, history and culture of the company and align them with your career goals. Be sure to sound passionate about what they do and make it clear why you have chosen their company.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? This is your chance to show off both your technical and soft skills. Make sure to share qualities and personal traits that relate back to the role for which you are interviewing for.
Where do you see yourself in two years’ time? They want to know you have goals and ambitions so jump on the opportunity to show them that. Remember to highlight how the role you are applying for will help you get to where you want to be.
Practice makes perfect
- For a face-to-face interview. The best way to practice is through role-play or mock interviews. Get a friend or family member to stand in as an interviewer and give it a go performing to them. Really tightening up how you portray yourself and your answers. You can even practice in front of a mirror.
- For an online interview. Open up the video platform they want to use and practice talking into a screen. Recording yourself is a great way of listening back and seeing where you can improve.
Work out the logistics
For a face-to-face interview:
- Leave early. Anything could go wrong – traffic, cancellations, small obstacles. By leaving enough time there is room for error whilst still arriving on time.
- Save the interviewer’s contact information. Sometimes things are beyond your control. This way you can drop them a call or email to keep them updated that you are running a little late.
- Know where you are going. Work out your route, whether there is parking, how long it takes you, and the office number and floor you are headed to.
For an online interview:
- Live. Do they want to use Google Hangouts or do you need to download software such as Zoom? It’s important to know which one it is ahead of time so you are familiar with it. Once this is clear, be sure to test your video and sound quality. Remember, keep your screen name professional, fluffybunnies637 isn’t going to leave the best impression.
- Video Q&A. You will normally get a test question to practice, where you can adjust the camera, sound, and lighting. Following that, for the real thing, you will have one question to answer at a time, and you may be given different time limits for different questions. Find a quiet spot and make sure there are no interruptions on the day.
Check out our Product Owner, Elliott Perks, giving a step-by-step on how to do a video Q&A when using Tempo below.
Give off your best impression
- Dress to impress. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Show that you have made an effort, even if it’s an online interview and you have pajamas on under the table. If you dress smart, you will think smart.
- It’s all in the body language. 55 percent of communication is based on what others see. A big SMILE and good eye contact shows confidence and is a great way to connect with the interviewer. Whether it’s face-to-face or an online interview, people respond to confidence, and by being friendly you will leave a lasting impression.
Have a read of these tips for making a great first impression in less than 15 seconds.
Ask the right questions
In the interview be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position to show you are interested in more than just the role. By asking questions about management style, team collaboration and professional development you can really earn yourself some brownie points. So have some at the ready to use during the interview.
Here are some examples you could use:
- What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?
- Why do you enjoy working here?
- What qualities do your most successful employees have?
- How can I progress in the role?
- How can I work best within my team?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Interviews are nerve-wracking and require preparation. But with the above tips and 5 of our interview dos and don’ts, there’s no reason why you won’t smash it.
THE FINISH LINE
Don’t let the employer forget you after the interview. You’ve put in the graft and now all you need to do is see it over the finish line. And there are a couple of little touches to help you get there.
A thank you goes a long way
A recent study found that 86 percent of hiring managers said not sending a thank-you note shows a lack of follow-through. So be sure to send one. You can even do it with your own personal twist. Most people will use email, but why not follow-up with a video message? You can use it to give you that extra edge and boost your chances of hearing back.
Whatever you send, make sure to cover the following points:
- The specific job title, company’s name, and thank your interviewer.
- A conversation point that seemed important or interesting to the person you spoke with – connecting it to your own experience and interests.
- Ask them if they have any additional questions for you and that you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
Stay connected
Head to Linkedin and connect with the people you met in your interview. It shows that you are passionate about the role and company. And even if you are not successful, you now have some useful contacts that might come in handy down the line. Relationship building, as we discussed above, is a strategic approach in your job hunt.
Final words
Finding a job can seem daunting and that you’re up against the many, but there is a whole range of tools, right at your fingertips, that can help you stand out from the crowd. You just need to dive right in and know how to use them. Whether it’s making the most out of social media, knowing where and how to look for the exciting jobs out there, spicing up your application, or nailing the interview. Once you know this 5 step guide front to back, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep. Good luck!
