How to become the candidate employers can’t resist_

Recruiters are constantly searching for the perfect candidate to fill the thousands of open jobs in the UK. And it can be pretty hard! With so many CVs to read through and hundreds of potential candidates to talk to about a particular role, it can be quite time-consuming. So why not make it easier for recruiters and potential employers to find and offer you that job?

How we hear you ask! Simply by being the most informed candidate possible.

Of course it goes without saying that experience and skills will always matter, but a candidate who is knowledgeable about the company and is highly-engaged is a definite-hire. Your aim as a job-seeker is to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, and at all the determining moments, right from your application, to negotiation, and finally on the job.

So what exactly is an informed candidate? It’s someone that knows about the company – they’ve clearly done their research, have read through the job description, and they understand the position they’ve applied for. This will ultimately show an employer that the candidate is motivated and that they are doing the work they need to do to get hired.

We’ve compiled a list of 6 steps that you will need to take to become that informed candidate of an employer’s dreams!

1. Learn the ins & outs of the companies you’re Interested In

Applying for a job at a company you sort of know and winging it through that application is never going to get you far. You need to do your homework. Read recent news articles about the companies you’re interested in, check out their blogs, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds. These will help you form a good sense of their values and what they stand for. And be sure to look for any red flags too, such as recent lay-offs, to help form a more rounded view. But remember, if you do come across a red flag, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a poor company culture.

2. Make your CV stand out

Now that you’ve done the groundwork, you’ve probably narrowed down the list of companies that interest you. Go a level in and dive into their company mission and culture. Once you’ve got a sense of these, you’ll be able to logically narrow down your list in order to apply for jobs more thoughtfully. From here, you’ll have a great starting point for your application, as you should be able to highlight aspects of your previous work history and experience that will show that you’re a perfect fit for this company. Customising your CV to the job and the company you’re applying for is absolutely key.

3. Prepare for the interview before you get It

Being proactive will place you further ahead of other candidates. Search for interview questions and insights into the exact questions recruiters and hiring managers at your ideal company will ask. You can browse dozens of interview questions that are asked of candidates applying to the specific role that you are.

Preparing in advance will help you to avoid that last minute cramming and will also get your mind firing about specific anecdotes and examples of excellence in your previous work history you will want to share. Plus, learning about the interview experience of others offers additional insight into what the company is really like.

4. Negotiate like a pro

It’s important to understand early on that negotiating your salary is a perfectly normal part of the employment process, and recruiters and hiring managers expect it.

So before you head to the negotiating table make sure you;

Know your Worth. Do your research on salary estimates in today’s job market for the role you have applied for, and explore ways to increase your pay.

Think base wage and beyond! Everything from maternity and paternity leave, holiday time and even training can be up for negotiation.

Be confident and equipped with all the necessary information.

5. Ask as many questions as is necessary

Don’t ever think you are nagging an employer by asking questions. It’s their job to answer your questions and help you make the best decision. Plus, they will want to hire the best suited candidate for the job to improve their retention and company ranks.

6. Say “YES” if the job & company are right for you

If you feel 100% sure the job and company are right for you, then go for it. IT’s time to start living the life you’ve always wanted doing a job you enjoy.

Now that you’ve got the tools to become the informed candidate, go out there and find that job that fits your life. Don’t forget we’re here to help you every step of the way.