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According to Statista, there were approximately 1.37 million unemployed people in the UK in the three months to May 2023.
With around 1.03 million job vacancies currently on the market, competition is fierce and only 2% of candidates who apply for a job are selected to attend an interview.
So, if you’re hoping to get on to the career ladder, you need to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stand out from the crowd, which may be a daunting task if you feel you lack skills or experience.
However, here are five things you can do to improve your chances of securing your dream role.
Update your CV
Ensure your CV highlights your relevant skills and experiences; you may want to tailor it for each specific job application. Make sure it is well-presented and concise. Ask a friend or relative to look over it before you send it off to check for any errors. Alternatively, some websites such as Resume Worded offer free CV checks.
If you lack experience, shift the focus away from formal qualifications and degrees. Showcase your applicable skills through projects, portfolios, or freelance work to demonstrate your value.
Interview practice
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking but the more you prepare, the less you have to worry about. Spend time researching your potential employer before the interview, as this will highlight your interest in the role, promote a proactive approach and help you answer their questions.
Look up common questions that regularly come up during any job interview, such as ‘What attracted you to this role/company?’ or ‘Can you provide an example of how you dealt with a problem?’ If you already have a few answers ready, you’ll feel at ease during the interview.
Expand your skill set
Find out what courses or workshops are available that will teach you new, relevant skills in your spare time. Online platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Udemy are a good place to start.
You may want to target courses that are relevant to growing industries or sectors that are experiencing skill shortages.
Alternatively, if you live in Greater Manchester, Total People offer free Level 1 courses (subject to eligibility) in health & social care, childcare and business administration, as well as ESOL, English and maths. On these courses, you’ll also get to engage with employers that have live roles to apply for upon completion of the course.
Volunteer or intern
Look for volunteering or intern opportunities, especially in industries related to your career goals. You could even offer your skills to help get a foot in the door, gain experience and demonstrate your dedication.
Volunteering or interning can provide valuable hands-on learning and help you build your skill set.
Network
Job fairs, networking events and industry conferences are a great way to connect with professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Find out what’s taking place in your area and approach these events with an open mind and willingness to engage in conversations.
Online networking platforms such as LinkedIn are also a great way to make connections. Create or update your profile to highlight your skills, experiences, and ambitions. Follow people working in your preferred industry to see what the hot topics are and get involved in the discussions.
Remember, the job hunt can be a challenging and sometimes demoralising experience, but tailoring your approach to each application and applying your learning from each experience will help steadily improve your chances.
If you’d like to learn more about free adult education courses with Total People, head to our dedicated webpage, call us today on 0333 242 8128 or email AdultEducationGMCAenquiries@totalpeople.co.uk.
