How to find a job in 2024

Looking for a job? What is the latest advice when it comes to the world of work? The first session at this week’s workingmums.co.uk Careers Week covered everything from how to set out your CV to whether and how much to use AI to apply for jobs.

CV expert Emma Alkirwi, founder of the CV Guru, said the biggest challenge facing people who come to her for advice is that they are not getting interviews using their CV. They think their CV is going into a dark hole, she said, and they want to know how to make themselves stand out.

One issue is getting around Applicant Tracking Systems. Alkirwi said your CV layout is vital. It shouldn’t be overly fancy; it shouldn’t have charts or tables or graphics as the ATS can’t cope with that. Another issue is keywords. You should look at the job advert and mirror the language in the key skills section, using the words the company does to describe the role. Those keywords should also go in the summary paragraph/profile at the top of the CV which should be about eight lines. That is your ‘elevator pitch’ which summarises your experience and background, said Alkirwi. The key skills section follows and should be around eight bulletpoints that correspond to what the employer is looking for.

Alkirwi said it can be tempting to send out lots of CVs, but quality is better than quantity and CVs should be tailored to the role in question. A cover letter is also a good idea as it gives you more space to explain why you want to work for that employer. 

From jobs sites to LinkedIn

For job sites like Indeed where you apply just be sending your CV, it is worth uploading two or three different CVs aimed at different types of jobs and selecting which is the most appropriate in any given situation. Alkirwi also covered application forms and said parts of your CV could be pasted into the form. She advised reading the instructions carefully and using the part at the end – where it asks you to explain why you are suitable for the position – to get in as much from your cover letter as possible. Also be sure to back up any relevant achievements with concrete evidence. Alkirwi said that it is a good idea to write everything in word so you can spell check before adding it to the application form.

Social media is also a key avenue for finding jobs, particularly in the current slower jobs market. LinkedIn advertises a lot of jobs, but you can also use it to approach your network about speculative jobs. On LinkedIn Alkirwi said it’s important to pay attention to the headline at the top of your profile and to not make it too generic, for instance, don’t put customer services as relevant employers won’t find you. Make sure you use the kind of words you might use in a job search. Also use LinkedIn to follow industry experts to keep up to date. You need to build your network and engage at all times, not just when you are looking for a job. The ‘About’ section should include your specific experience and should use industry keywords rather than being generic. Use your full name and a professional photo.

Career gaps

Alkirwi discussed the evergreen subject of whether or not to mention a career gap in applications. She said there is no longer the same stigma as there was and it is a good idea to acknowledge a career gap and to say that you are keen to return as well as mention any experience you have gained on your break, for instance, volunteering for the parent teachers association or helping a friend with their business. Alkirwi also spoke about people who have been in the same job for a while, saying they should emphasise what they have learnt, their achievements, whether they have mentored anyone, the training they have done, any awards they have won, etc. She said staying in one job is a sign of dedication and loyalty.

Asked about whether it is a good idea to use ChatGPT to write applications or – for employers – to write job descriptions – Alkirwi advised against leaning on it too heavily. She said it is important that each CV is unique to the individual and by being specific you stand out. ChatGPT can make everyone sound the same. It can be useful, though, to give you a start on writing a cover letter and for knowing the kind of questions you can expect if interviewing for a particular role.

*Find out about more Careers Week events here. The video of Emma Alkirwi’s session will be posted shortly.

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