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6 Top Tips to Finding a Job in Lockdown – Makeupandme
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Job Hunting in 2021: Tips for Success
Introduction
Something a little different for you makeup lovers, but a topic I really wanted to talk about. Today, it’s all about job hunting.
Like for much of the world over the past 18 months, finding a job has been a difficult process. I’ve done what everyone else does: signed up to Indeed, polished my CV and waited for responses.
However, Covid has made the job market an unpredictable place – especially for recent graduates like me – and with the new experience of online interviews, lengthy applications and countless non-responses, finding a job in 2021 provides unknown and tricky territory.
Ultimately, that’s why I’m writing this post. I’ve experienced the harsh realities of today’s job market and now feel a duty to share what I’ve learnt to help make your job search a successful one.
So, without further ado, here are my 6 top tips to finding a job in – or coming out of – lockdown…
Get on ALL the job sites (even the obscure ones)
Just being on Indeed won’t cut it anymore. There is a plethora of job sites at your disposal, and only being on one instantly slashes your job opportunities!
You may say it’s a faff signing up to several sites and think, “they’ll show me all the same jobs anyway”, but you’re wrong. My new job was only published on one job site, and if I hadn’t signed up to several sites at the start, I wouldn’t have seen the opportunity!
Sites I recommend include: Indeed, LinkedIn, Totaljobs, Reed, Targetjobs and Zoek.
Extra tip: TURN ON your alerts and email notifications. This way, you won’t miss a single opportunity and can apply ASAP.
POLISH your CV and tailor it to every job
CVs are the bread and butter of any job application, so make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Use action words (‘managed’, ‘secured’, ‘led’, ‘collaborated’) and numerical achievements (‘increased viewership by 60%’) to sell your experiences and maintain a professional tone throughout.
ALWAYS tailor your experiences to the job description; this will tell the employer why YOU are a good fit for the job and its specific requirements.
Depending on your industry, a creative aesthetic may give you an edge, but above all, aim for a clean and professional look. In fact, here’s a super fun CV example I came across on LinkedIn. Caitlin missed the application deadline for a Social Media Executive role at Wagamama, but her creative CV blew up online and eventually bagged her an interview. Perhaps this will ignite your creative juices?
NEVER forget a cover letter
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
While your CV is Batman, don’t forget about your cover letter, Robin. Just as important and will help you get the super job you want.
Just imagine, you are hiring for a position, and you receive two applications. One has a CV and personalised cover letter, highlighting exactly how their experiences make them perfect for the job. The other has a good CV but no cover letter.
This application not only looks lazy and less invested in the job, but it’s also missing out on a crucial opportunity to expand on their CV and sell their skills to the employer! I know which application I’d offer an interview…
Online interviews: prep and practise
Said nobody ever, “I love interviews – they’re my favourite part of the job-hunting process”, and strangely enough, I don’t think they ever will. Online interviews – or online assessment centres – are no different, and throw in a few added technical stresses, the whole process becomes even more fun. (not).
Therefore, my advice is to prep and practise.
Prep
- Make sure your laptop or camera is at eye level. If it’s not, place it on a laptop stand, box or even books. Then you’ll be in proportion for the interviewer and not be hunching over the screen.
- Look into the camera. If this feels uncomfortable for you, then practise! I found this particularly hard, but trust me, you will appear far more professional and engaged if you do!
- Check your internet connection. Having a good internet connection is vital to ensure you and the interviewer can see and hear each other in the interview. If you have poor internet (like most of us do), why not book a library room? Most libraries have rooms available to book and – now they’re opening again – offer quiet and private spaces, perfect for interviews.
- Try not to fidget. Are you a hair twiddler? Do you shuffle on your chair? Maybe you’re unsure. My advice is to video yourself answering interview questions and watch it back. Yes, this is quite cringey, but you’ll be able to see your habits and try limit them.
Practise
As clique as it sounds, practise does make perfect. Analyse the job specification and practise answering different interview questions – competency, strengths, values – that you think may come up.
The job description asks for “a great team player”? Practise answering questions around teamwork and think of examples where you were a great team member. Always refer to the STAR method of answering interview questions (especially with competency ones) and try practising with a friend or family member to replicate the interview setting.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Extra tip: if you live alone, something I found super helpful was to create interview cue cards. I’d put a question on one side and my answer on the other. Then, I would test myself to see if I could repeat the answer.
Targetjobs has a fantastic Careers Advice resource on their website, where they post articles on all sorts of job topics. Whether you need help with the different interview question types or want some tips on nailing a telephone interview – they have something for every job situation. I recommend checking it out!
Socials: follow theirs and clean up yours
Keeping up to date with your potential employer’s latest developments is a MUST when applying for jobs. Here, you can learn about their recent activities and company values to give you an edge in interviews. Follow their LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and read recent articles to become an expert in their business.
However, checking an employer’s socials isn’t the only social media factor to consider. Ensuring your personal accounts are private or professional is essential to appear employable to recruiters. Basically, that drunk Facebook photo of you slut dropping in Magaluf must go.
Want a creative career? Make a portfolio website!
Portfolio websites are a great way to showcase your creative skills and generate a professional profile to show potential employers. You don’t have to be a web developer to build your own website. There are plenty of FREE web builder sites, like Wix, Weblium or Squarespace, that develop and help design you a slick website without the stress of coding!
Here’s a link to my Weblium site for some inspiration.
Extra tip: Keep your head up. Job hunting can be a long process, and with the new ways of online applications, they are new and tricky for everyone. My advice is to remember you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources online to help with applying for jobs in lockdown and talk to friends or family if you’re struggling. They’ve all been through job hunting, and I’m sure they can offer some sound advice (or a hug) if needed.
There we have it! Hopefully, these tips have provided some helpful guidance and support if you’re entering or re-entering the job market in lockdown. There’s no time like the present, so jump on the job-hunting horse and use these tips to secure your next professional venture!
If you like this kind of lifestyle content, then please let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your feedback and perhaps create more!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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