Strategies to Get You Hired Faster

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Looking for a job can be frustrating and time-consuming. On average, it takes between 3 and 6 months to find a new job. However, there are strategies you can use to increase your employability and land a desired job faster. Below, we will take a look at popular ways to combat youth unemployment and the specific actions you can take.

Currently, the US unemployment rate is 3.9%, which means that it becomes even more challenging to find a job. Youth are more likely to be unemployed than adults. According to the International Labour Organization, youth have higher shares of unemployment compared to adults in all regions of the world. Research shows that youth unemployment rates are between 2 and 6 times higher than adult unemployment rates depending on the region.

Unemployment affects the income of families, reduces purchasing power, and affects the well-being of communities. If you are unemployed at the moment, keep reading for strategies to increase your employability.

Here are the steps that governments and employers can take to reduce youth unemployment and underemployment:

Encouraging entrepreneurship

Teaching youth entrepreneurship skills is a powerful tool for combating unemployment. Through college or government programs, young people can learn how to start and sustain their businesses, and if their businesses are successful, they can create new jobs in the future.

On-the-job training

One of the biggest challenges that young people face is that they can’t get hired because they have no experience or on-the-job skills. Workplace training for entry-level candidates can help them acquire the needed skills and climb the career ladder more confidently. Plus, young people will learn a variety of hard and soft skills they won’t learn elsewhere. The government can reward employers who offer such training to encourage more companies to hire graduates.

Mentorship programs

Mentorship can benefit unemployed youth in many ways. An experienced mentor can recommend where and how to look for a job, how to handle challenging workplace situations, and how to develop professionally, thus reducing unemployment.

Career education

In free career centers, students and graduates can get help with writing a resume and a cover letter, preparing for job interviews, and building a career strategy. Finding the right professional opportunity is also a skill, and career centers in colleges or public career services can assist with it.

Cooperation between colleges and employers

By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and companies, two major goals can be achieved. Firstly, colleges can better understand the demands of the modern workplace and teach their students accordingly. Secondly, employers can hire qualified students right after graduation so that they don’t have to look for a job.

Give your resume a boost

A good resume can make all the difference in getting you selected for an interview. If you keep sending out your resume and cover letter but rarely get interviews, it may be a sign that the resume undersells you.

Start by researching modern resume-writing practices and adjusting your resume accordingly. Focus on your achievements over everyday duties, include job-related skills, and explain any employment gaps or other issues. Include keywords to get your resume through ATS filters. If that sounds challenging, consider getting help from an experienced resume writer.

Research the market

Look for relevant job postings with different companies and read them carefully. Pay attention to the requirements and expectations of the ideal candidate. Ask yourself if you meet all the requirements, and if not, you probably need additional training or unpaid experience. Learn about the average salary for someone in your industry and job – it will help you feel more confident during negotiations.

Prepare for interviews thoroughly

Many professionals dread interviews, but in fact, it is a skill that can be learned. Always prepare for every job interview. Research the company and the position, ask questions, and learn how to answer popular interview questions. Such a proactive approach will help you make the right impression.

Polish your online presence

Sometimes a good candidate can get rejected because of things they share on their social media. Consider updating the privacy settings of your personal profiles so that only friends can see them. Update your LinkedIn profile so that it displays recent and full information about you. Make sure you don’t post anything inappropriate on either of your profiles.

Upskill

If you feel that you lack some job-related or computer skills, consider taking the additional training or a certification in that area. Such skills as coding, making presentations, or managing social media can increase your employability. Understand what skills you lack to get hired for your desired position and give this skill a boost.

Network actively

The best jobs are found through networking. You can tap your network on LinkedIn and other social media, or reach out to your alumni, friends, and neighbors. Let everyone know that you are looking for a job, and inform everyone about what you do. Such an approach will help you get hired faster.

Gain experience through freelancing

If you struggle to land the full-time job, consider part-time, volunteering or freelance gigs. For someone with little professional experience, such projects can be a great opportunity to learn professional skills. Moreover, you will have something to add to your resume. Don’t hesitate to reach out to as many people as possible, as it will take you some time to get your first projects.