Examine what makes you special and use it. Think about salary before you interview. Sometimes a dream job doesn't look like a dream job on paper, so cast a wide net. In the job search phase, it's OK to say yes more than you think you should.
People who write job advertisements are often short on time and staff. Bear this in mind, and you may start to see how many job advertisements are more like loose descriptions, rather than fixed roles. If you meet part of the requirements of a job, but believe you can be successful in that role, apply. Employers, who can be inundated with resumes when posting jobs, are often looking for passive candidates (qualified candidates who are not necessarily looking for work, but may be interested if the right job comes along).
For example, JibberJobber is perhaps the best known option and is an excellent resource for staying organised. When potential employers search for you online, these profiles often feature prominently, so you will give recruiters, employers and contacts a strong, positive and professional impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in. Depending on the position, employers can hire motivated people who learn quickly and provide them with on-the-job training. Compete head-to-head with another engineer, who is similarly talented and wants the job just as badly.
When you apply for a job through an online application process, your CV will most likely be screened first by an applicant tracking system, and then (assuming you pass this first cut), it will go before people's eyes. If you are familiar with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or a similar programme, creating a spreadsheet is a simple and effective way to keep track of your job applications. Tell people that you are on the job market or open to new opportunities, or whatever best describes your job search circumstances. From preparing an age-proof resume and cover letter, to highlighting your years of experience in a positive way, check out these tips aimed at helping older job seekers get interviews and get hired.
There are strategies that older job seekers can apply to streamline their job search and find meaningful, paid work. There are several websites that offer free or reasonably priced job search management tools designed specifically for job seekers who need help managing their applications. If you are a covert job seeker, remember to turn off broadcasts of your activity (within privacy and settings) when making edits to your LinkedIn profile. For more tips for job seekers, check out how to manage an online job search and nine tech tips for graduate job seekers.
Also, with the tech industry always trying to disrupt markets, it's hard to know which job search services and apps are worth using and how to get the most out of them. Keep the same key sections, such as your education and contact information, but customise your skills or previous job roles to match the position you're applying for.
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