There’s no doubt that presenting yourself in the best light is a vital part of any job search. While there are many successful informal job interview methods (e.g. sending a cheeky text message to the HR department), for those pursuing a more traditional approach, putting your best foot forward entails sharpening your writing skills and polishing your resume.
If you’re struggling to find the right words to describe your skills and experience, here are some tips to help you improve your writing for job interviews.
Start Small
If you’re feeling nervous about job interviews or anxious about how to phrase your responses, start small. Job applications usually ask you to describe your work experience or education. Unless you’re applying for a high-profile role, the format won’t change. Start by brainstorming words and phrases that you think fit the role you’re applying for. Once you have a small collection of words and phrases, take a minute to glance over the job description again. This time, you’re looking for patterns and themes in the work that are the most relevant to your skills. Use these to guide your brainstorming and create a list of words and phrases that you think will be required for the role.
Focus On Style
While you want the words to be relevant to the role you’re applying for, you also want to project an air of authority. To achieve this, be sparing with your use of words and phrases. When you write, you need to consider the reader. Imagine that you’re speaking with a professional acquaintance. Would you say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ or ‘Hi, I’m good. How about you?’ The first option is far more likely to make your interviewer feel comfortable, as it shows you’re not too formal and perhaps a bit cheeky. Style is also closely linked to readability. Ensure that your writing is easy to understand and doesn’t contain any spelling or grammatical errors. To check for these, copy and paste your work into Google Docs and have a fresh set of eyes examine it. It’s also worth having a look at your resume once you’ve written your blog post. Are there any phrases or words that are repeated? It’s usually an indicator of poor spelling and grammar. One rule of thumb is to avoid complex sentences and instead, opt for simple words that are easy to understand.
Edit
Even after you’ve written your blog article, it’s worth going back through it and making some alterations. Take a close look at your work and consider what you might do to improve it. For those seeking further tips on how to write a winning resume, take a look at our guide to creating a winning resume.
Speak With Professionals
If you’re seeking employment in a specific field, it’s worth having a conversation with people who work in that field. Talk to individuals who you think might have some insight into how you can succeed in your role. While there’s no harm in dreaming, speaking with real experts can help you discover opportunities and help you prepare for your job interviews.
Make Use Of All Available Tools
With so much competition, it’s vital that you present yourself in the best light. To achieve this, you should make use of all available tools. Make sure that your resume is up to date with the most recent version, apply for a free job alert to stay in touch with the latest job opportunities, and don’t hesitate to tailor make your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. You can also use your blog to broadcast your expertise and showcase your skills. What’s more, having a LinkedIn profile doesn’t hurt, either, as it displays your network and shows that you’re actively seeking employment.
If you’re seeking a brand new challenge, why not consider moving abroad? With the world population having shifted to a predominantly digital sphere, international opportunities are available for those looking to relocate. With less people working in traditional areas, finding work abroad might be easier than you think. Start by looking at the state of the world job market, followed by reviewing the opportunities available in your desired location. Ensure you have all the relevant documentation to support your application, including a passport and visa.