aJob hunting can sometimes be a difficult and overwhelming experience. We’ve broken it down into 10 easy steps to help you stay on top of the latest opportunities and get noticed by employers.
1. Update your CV
You are constantly evolving, so your CV should be too. Make sure it’s updated regularly so you can wow potential employers with any new experience or skills you’ve picked up. Highlight the key skills and attributes employers are looking for and don’t worry about including every job you’ve ever had if it isn’t relevant. It’s your personal marketing tool, so make sure you spend some time on it to get it right. Here’s some more advice on how to create the perfect CV.
Once you’ve got your CV updated, be sure to upload it so that employers can find you.
2. Set up job alerts
You can set up numerous job alerts for the types of jobs you’re interested in and we’ll send them straight to your inbox. This means that you are notified of the jobs you’re looking for and can get your application in quickly, making sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for that dream job.
Tailor your alerts by job type, job category, salary and location. You can even include aircraft type if relevant. All that’s left for you to do is to keep an eye on your inbox and apply as soon as a job catches your eye.
3. Cover letter
Don’t forget to tailor your cover letter for each application you send. It should show the employer how your skills and experience match the requirements laid out in the job description.
Be professional, addressing and formatting the letter correctly and show the recruiter why you’re the right person for the job. Make sure you don’t just copy your CV and remember that it’s quality rather than quantity that counts in a cover letter. Here’s our cover letter writing guide for more detailed tips on catching employers’ attention.
4. Google yourself
Those photos that bring back awful flashbacks might be floating around on the internet for all to see. Potential employers are more than likely to do a quick search for you on Google before inviting you to interview. Tidying up your online presence is essential before you start sending out job applications.
Start by Googling yourself and checking which images and details come up. Are the results appropriate for an employer to have access to? Find anything that you wouldn’t want your interviewer to see, and get rid of it!
5. Social media
The next step is to check your social media profiles. There’s no getting away from the fact that a potential employer will look at your social media. Either lock it up so you can’t be seen or make sure the content you’re posting is appropriate.
Even better, see your online profiles as a marketing tool for yourself. Post any industry-related articles that you’ve been reading or any events that you’ve been to recently.
6. Network on LinkedIn
Make sure you keep your LinkedIn updated. This is an extremely valuable tool for job seekers, so make the most of it. Show off your key skills and get endorsements from past managers and colleagues. LinkedIn is also a great networking tool. Make connections within the aviation industry and get involved.
While you’re there, make sure to follow Aviation Job Search for job highlights and the latest industry news.
7. See who’s hiring
Browse the A-Z of companies who are hiring, find the airlines and businesses you’d like work for and start applying for jobs. You can even set up alerts for specific employers so you know as soon as the latest opportunity has been posted.
8. Proofread
Don’t forget to check your CV and cover letter for spelling and grammar mistakes – these can really put recruiters off. In addition to spell check, a tool like Grammarly can pick up any little mistakes that you miss.
If you can, get a second pair of eyes to help you proofread for any errors.
9. Get organised
You should find the time of day that best suits you when searching for a job. This could be the time when you are most productive or when you have a quiet hour or two to yourself. If you dedicate a certain amount of time each day you can make sure that you are consistently making applications and keeping on top of any new opportunities. This ‘little and often’ strategy can also make the task feel much more manageable.
10. Remain positive
Job hunting is a numbers game, and you might not get the first job you apply for. Don’t let this deter you and just keep trying. Ask for feedback if you’re not successful in an interview and learn from the experience. Remember that your perfect job is just around the corner.
To keep you on track, we’ve put together this summary:
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