Mastering the Job Hunt: Proven Strategies for Securing Your Dream Role

We’ve all been there—applying for jobs only to hear nothing back, or worse, getting a generic rejection email months later.

Some candidates make it through to the interview stage, but the process just fizzles out. They may even get to the final stage and hear, “We’d love to offer you the role,” but the offer never materialises—or when it does, it’s underwhelming. It’s frustrating, to say the least.

Even with over a decade of experience as a recruiter, using every tool in my arsenal, I’ve had times where things slip through the cracks. But there are strategies you can use as a candidate to regain some control over the process and avoid being left in limbo.

These aren’t foolproof, but if you implement them, you’ll definitely increase your chances of securing the outcomes you’re after.

Here is how!

1. Working with Recruiters

If you’re using a recruiter, they can make the job search much easier. However, not all recruiters are created equal, like with any role there are good, average & poor recruiters. You might sometimes find yourself working with someone inexperienced or disorganised, which can leave you frustrated, so here are some of the best tips I can offer to make sure you are getting the most out working with recruiters!

• Build a Relationship: You don’t need to become best mates, but establishing good rapport can go a long way. When you have a solid connection, they’ll be more likely to go the extra mile for you.
• Stay in Touch: Make sure you’ve got their contact details, and don’t be shy about reaching out—whether that’s through WhatsApp or email.
• Don’t Leave Them Hanging: Communication works both ways. If you miss a call, follow up. Stay engaged throughout the process.
• Set Expectations: Agree on when you can expect feedback and follow-up calls. This informal “contract” can keep the process clear for both parties.

These small efforts can make a big difference in your experience with a recruiter.

2. If You’re Going It Alone

Not working with a recruiter? It’s might be a tougher ride, but you can still take charge at each stage. Here’s how to maximise your chances when dealing with companies directly.

Application Stage

You’ve found a role you’re interested in and applied. Now what? Chances are, your application will join hundreds of others and could get lost in the pile. So, what can you do to stand out?

• Identify Key Contacts: Find the Head of Projects, HR, or the Talent Acquisition team on LinkedIn. They’re often the ones making the hiring decisions.
• Reach Out Directly: Once you’ve identified the right people, send them a message like: “Hi [Name], I applied today for the [Role] position at [Company]. With my experience in [X & Y], I thought it’d be great to connect and share my interest directly.”
• Politely Flag with HR: If you’ve been left hanging for a while without any acknowledgment, it’s okay to raise it. Reach out to HR and express that you’re disappointed you haven’t heard back.

Many companies talk about improving the candidate experience; hold them to that.

Interview Stage

Getting an interview is a great first step, but it’s only half the battle. Here’s how to prepare:

• Get the Details: Know exactly who you’ll be meeting, the interview format, and what they’re expecting from you. Connect with interviewers beforehand on LinkedIn.
• Set a Feedback Timeline: Before the interview ends, ask about the next steps and establish a timeline for feedback. Make sure you have the right contact details to follow up with.
• Ask About Candidate Experience: It might sound bold, but ask, “How important is candidate experience for you during this process?” This not only helps you gauge their professionalism but also shows them that you care about the process.

Offer Stage

This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for—but make sure you’re not caught off guard with an offer that doesn’t meet your expectations.

• Align Expectations: After the final stage, it’s helpful to clarify your expectations. You could say something like: “I’ve really enjoyed the process and feel this is a great fit. Before we move forward, I just want to ensure we’re aligned on expectations. Is it okay to discuss this further?”
• Be Transparent About Salary and Benefits: If you’re working with a recruiter, be upfront about your expectations. They’re often paid more if you secure a higher salary, so they’ll work hard to get you the best offer.

In Summary:

Here’s a quick recap of how to manage each stage:

• Application: Follow up with key contacts and personalise your message.
• Interview: Get all the details upfront, set a feedback timeline, and ask about candidate experience.
• Post-Interview: Establish a feedback schedule. If it’s not kept, don’t be afraid to chase.
• Offer: Align expectations early. Don’t wait for the offer to land in your lap—be proactive.

None of this is revolutionary, but applied correctly, these tips will give you more control and make the process smoother.

Ultimately, as candidates, we all want honest feedback and clear communication—it really isn’t too much to ask!

Good luck,

Rich

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