It doesn’t matter which job role you’re looking to find, the fact is you need to make sure that when you apply for the job you really want, you’re going to get it. 

There’s no hard or fast rule about what makes a candidate desirable, but there are ways to ensure that you remain ahead of the race and gain more job offers than you know what to do with. 

After all, it’s not just about getting a job, but building a career, and finding a role that you feel will take you further. 

To support you in your job search this year, we’ve compiled a list of the ways you can make yourself more hirable and not falter on some of the most simple things that employers look out for. 

Update Your CV 

It may feel mundane and boring, but a CV is the shop window of your professional life. 

Your CV needs to be in a clean and clear format so that it is easy to read and quick to digest. 

Employers and recruitment agencies get sent hundreds of CVs every month, and you don’t want to delay your process by having to wait for feedback on what needs improving. 

Some employers won’t even consider candidates who have not properly formatted their CV, so although it feels frustrating to do, trust us, this is one thing you want to get right. 

As well as making it highly relevant to your current skills and experience, don’t forget to also add in more relevant references from colleagues or previous employers. 

If you’re not super savvy with technology, or just don’t know where to start with your CV, there are now many templates you can use online. 

Once you have written your CV, give it to a few friends and family members for some honest feedback. The better you can make it, the better chance you’ll have at securing an interview. 

Clean Up Your Social Activity

According to a 2018 survey by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process. 

While social media screening is a major taboo in the recruitment process, unfortunately, many employers still do it. 

The trouble is, if people don’t know you yet anything can be taken out of context on social media. If something you say or post does not align with the companies values you may be struck off the candidate list before you’ve even had a chance to get an interview. 

We know that social media shouldn’t be about editing who you are as a person, but it’s all too easy for offence to be taken on something that was never meant to cause upset. 

When you’re looking for a new role, we would highly recommend changing your social media profiles to private, so that your future employer cannot view the content you are posting. 

Alternatively, if you would really like to show your passion for the role then creating new social profiles that are purely about your professional work can go a long way in showcasing your talents. 

Know the Company

When you do get an interview for a company take your time to research them as much as possible. Try to get an understanding of their history, what they specialise in, and even their company’s mission and values. 

Researching the company prior to your interview will help you structure some questions to ask your future employer. This can help you to identify exactly what the expectations are for your new role, what their management style is like, and how you can expect to be treated when working with this company. 

Too many candidates fail to use the questions part of the interview and instead result in just asking about holiday or pay. Don’t fall into this trap. Many employers dislike these questions, and it doesn’t truly give you any context about what it will be like working for the company. 

The better the questions you ask, the more likely the employers will also be impressed with your interest in the company. 

No matter the industry, all employers want passionate team members who believe in what the company provides. 

Go the Extra Mile 

Show your future employer that you’re not just applying for a day job – but a career. 

In many industries, there is a severe skills gap in the talent that is coming through. This means for many employers they are looking for team members they can upskill and who will be motivated to grow with the company. 

You may not have the funds to go on extra courses, but there are many free online courses that can help you to upskill and begin this journey before you are employed. 

Showing a future employer that you are keen to develop personally and professionally is a major factor in how people decide who they want to hire, and the pathway they may take in the company. 

At the interview, highlight that you have been taking extra lessons to enhance your skills, and discuss this with them about why you feel this is important. 

Be Industry Savvy

No matter the industry you are in, there is always news about developments in the sector or innovations that are changing the way things are done. 

Having knowledge of these changes makes you appear more interested during your interview, and therefore more impressive to future employers. 

With so much going on in the world across all sectors, not having this knowledge can come across as being outdated and lacking in drive. Employers want their team members to care about the work they are doing, and why they are doing it. 

Start to regularly read industry news or magazines to keep yourself up to date on everything that is shaping the work you do.

Having up-to-date knowledge will also help boost your confidence during your interview, and give you relevant talking points.  

The job market is open and there are now many roles available, so use these tips to your advantage and become the candidate everyone wants. 

Marshall Recruitment specialise in placing candidates in roles in Construction, Building Services and Mechanical and Electrical