Whether you’ve decided it’s time for a career change, or you’ve lost your job as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to prepare for the job market that you’re now heading into and to maximise your potential with prospective employers.
Making yourself stand out is of particular importance at a time when competition for jobs is at its most intense. So, how can you stand out from the crowd and land that job in Malta once the pandemic passes?
Broaden your horizons
If you’ve worked in one industry all your career, now might be the perfect time to explore similar roles in different industries. Many skills are transferrable across industries. For instance, the marketing executive who dealt primarily with the FMCG industry would have valuable insights into the media landscape in Malta, a skill set that would translate well in a public relations role.
There’s always parallels between industries. If you’ve got the downtime, why not put your creative thinking hat on and think about where your background can thrive?
Polish your online presence
Take the opportunity to refresh your LinkedIn profile and update your CV. A well-thought-out CV highlighting your achievements can make or break a job application. Follow best practices and tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for.
Highlight your skillset
Now more than ever, employers will be looking for skills that set you aside from the competition. Think about all your skills – both your professional ones, as well as your hobbies – and how they can translate into on-the-job assets. Then highlight these in your CV, making them relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Do your research
Make sure you’ve done your research when applying. Learn about the company’s history, understand the company’s ethos, and check their online presence to identify the company’s target audience and how they communicate.
See if you know anyone who works or has worked at the company and pick their brain about the working environment. Research what Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities they’ve undertaken recently – anything that will strengthen your application and give you a talking point in your interview that will allow you to outshine the competition.
Build the right network
When people hear the word network their minds tend to go to a conference room filled with similar professionals, the passing of business cards, and boring small talk. That’s one approach to networking. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaped many aspects of business life – and networking is just one of them.
How we build and maintain our relationships moving forward is critical. We are now networking in unprecedented times. Pay attention to how online communities related to your profession are showing support for each other and send the right message at the right time.
Now is the time to act in preparation for those post-pandemic job applications. If you’re seeking employment at present, create an account with Ceek and check out our latest vacancies in Malta!