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調查顯示，肺炎大爆發下全球共有15%的在職人士失去工作。再加上超過1.3億大學畢業生 即將踏入社會，今年的求職氣氛注定緊張。各大公司比平日更為精挑細選最適合的人才。就業市場競爭如此激烈，為了幫你增加在未來幾個月內被錄用的機會，這篇文章會列出幾個你可以努力的方向。

人脈

所謂「Networking」，意指一個人如何利用自己的人際網絡發展事業。你的人際網絡由所有與你有互動的人組成，無論是從前的上司、或是多年未有聯繫的舊朋友，他們通通都是你的人脈。

一個強大的人脈網絡可以為你提供許多不公開的信息和機會。除了自身實力外，「識人」在求職過程中往往會令你如虎添翼。CNBC的調查顯示，有70％的職位並不會公開招募，50－80％的空缺更是依賴內部推薦填補。由此可見，人脈在求職過程中由其重要。

正所謂「識人好過識字」。數碼時代下，許多人會選擇利用LinkedIn 擴展專業人際網絡。

How to Build Up Your Network Using Linkedin

Linkedin has become the Facebook equivalent for professionals with desires to expand their networks. The online platform currently has over 760 million users who are using it to establish their professional, online presence. If you are new to LinkedIn and are looking for a quick guide to build up your network, start by following this checklist:

1. Create a LinkedIn account.
2. Optimise your LinkedIn account.(All-Star Profile)
3. Link your LinkedIn profile to your emails and resume.
4. Follow/connect with industry insiders.
5. Share other’s works that you appreciate
6. Comment on posts
7. Post work-related videos, pictures, articles and assignments that you are proud of.
8. Make yourself visible and attend events that you are interested in.
9. Build your groups & events.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask people questions or arrange a meet-up with people over Linkedin.
11. Utilize LinkedIn’s Job Search function.

Linkedin can not only be used as a valuable tool to establish and manage your network, it can also maximize your chances of getting a job. It was found by Forbes that people with All-Star profiles have a 71% more chance of getting interview invitations than people without an All-Star profile. As you may have already realized, Linkedin isn’t limited to network management, but also the developments of all areas of your career. So if you recently got laid off, it would be worthwhile to create an All-Star Linkedin account and spread it over your network to look for new opportunities.

Research

Just like how you would approach any challenging task, the first thing you should be doing in your job hunt is research. With research, you will be able to adequately prepare and plan out each of your job applications which will dramatically increase your likelihood for success. Once you have completed your research, you should know about these details of the job you are applying for:

• Qualifications Required.
• Responsibilities of the role.
• How to optimize your CV for positions in the desired industry.
• How to optimize your job application.
• Types of interviews to prepare for.
• Job application deadlines/opening dates.
• Writing a tailored cover letter.
• The types of people and quality of applications that you are competing against.

You should become a market expert in your desired industry before you even start applying for jobs. Don’t forget to make the most out of your network and ask the right questions to learn more about the market situation.

Preparation & Applying for Jobs

Put your research to use and start building up your perfect job search rituals. For example, optimizing your CV or tailoring each cover letter for different companies etc.

It would also be extremely useful to create a spreadsheet to track the progress of all of your current applications, including the openings and deadlines of future applications. Consider adding a section in this spreadsheet to compile all of your feedback from previous, unsuccessful applications to improve. While not all companies take the initiative to provide feedback, make sure you ask them for it proactively so that you could work on the next application.

To ensure your job applications are going to the right person, apply for positions on the company’s website instead of a job board. Some ads put on the job board are indeed published by freelance recruiters for roles that are not available yet. They could be hiring for a role that already has been filled when/if the current employee is planning to leave the company.

Never forget to use your network to your utmost advantage. One way to do this would be to send a short message to the hiring manager. By informing them that you have applied for the role, you get an additional chance to explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Stay Positive

Let’s face it, seeking a job is not easy. Glassdoor has found that on average, a job posting attracts 250 applications. Of the 250 applications only 4-6 people would be asked in for an interview while of course, only one of them would be offered the job. We understand that the odds might seem to be against you at the moment, but it is essential to gear up a positive mindset throughout this difficult period. Try to view this period as the beginning of the next chapter in your career path. Treat each job application as a practice and be grateful for how rejections could be trampolines into your dream job.

Interested in polishing your personal brand and digital presence? Start by attending our FREE LinkedIn Workshop on the 1st of December.

Want more tips on how to tap into job search? Speak to our professional career consultants by reserving a spot for a 1-1 Career Consultation section (feel free to bring your friend along!).