How to land your dream job in 2019

Jobseekers will need to demonstrate their data fluency, strategic thinking and readiness for AI-integrated workforces to stand out from the crowd in their 2019 job search, says recruiting experts Hays.

“It’s important to stay on top of the latest trends if you want your career to advance in 2019,” says Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia & New Zealand.

“Given the pace of change, the only thing certain in 2019 is that a jobseeker’s capacity to learn will start to become more valuable than the hard skills they already possess.”

Here is Hays’ advice on how to land your dream job in 2019:

1. Data + analytics = a highly employable skill
Advance your data and analytics skills, which will become standard competencies for most jobs, regardless of industry or sector. With organisations actively working to become analytically driven, your CV will stand out in 2019 if you can demonstrate data fluency and an ability to turn data into actionable insights. For example, mention a situation where you have used data to understand and make informed decisions about new opportunities.

2. Upskill in AI
Organisations large and small will develop AI-integrated workforces. Jobseekers are therefore advised to get to grips with the AI landscape and learn how, relevant to their role and industry, AI can evolve their contribution to an organisation. Look for opportunities to upskill to gain basic AI competency and understand how it can be used to improve your productivity. Mention this knowledge in your CV to make clear your readiness to perform your job alongside AI.

3. Connect through social
With organisations vying for top talent in 2019, companies are now prioritising their corporate social media channels as employer branding and candidate attraction tools, with video emerging as the medium of choice. These pages provide an insight into an organisation’s culture and values and as such can provide a curious candidate a competitive edge come interview time.

4. Get comfortable with video
The use of video will not be restricted to informing candidates about a role or organisation. In 2019 jobseekers can expect more hiring managers to ask for a 30 or 60-second video to support their application. Employers give very specific parameters for such content, such as “Tell me about a time when you have been a team player” or “Talk me through a recent problem in which old solutions wouldn't work. How did you solve the problem?” The aim is to gain a greater understanding of your core competencies or fit with the organisation’s culture.

5. Optimise your CV for algorithm screening
In 2019 it’s more likely than not that if you want to make the shortlist you’ll need to get your CV past an algorithm first. To do so, optimise your CV by peppering it with keywords relevant to the jobs you apply for, including when describing your achievements, using an accepted CV format that will contain the content AI recognises and avoiding unusual job titles that an algorithm cannot identify.

6. Proof matters
Employers want to see evidence that you performed your previous jobs well. Add success metrics and examples to your CV and online professional profile as proof that you did your previous jobs well. For example, rather than writing you are “innovative”, write that you “designed and delivered a new online sales booking system that increased sales by 15 per cent in the first six months.”

7. Your application isn’t a status update
A job application is a professional pitch, so don’t treat it like a social media status update. To make the shortlist for a job in 2019, keep your application devoid of slang, texting and chat abbreviations and social media acronyms. Don’t talk yourself up, stretch the truth or make unsubstantiated claims about your skills. Of course there are opportunities to think outside the box when you put your application together. For instance, add links to your CV to your e-portfolio. Just ensure you also submit a professionally-written CV that contains all the information an employer wants and expects to see in order to create their shortlist.

8. Demonstrate your strategic thinking
Given increased technological change and the fast-paced nature of today’s world of work, employers look for candidates who can think strategically to leverage new technologies, trends and opportunities to solve problems, achieve the organisation’s goals and add greater value. Use examples to demonstrate in your CV and in an interview your ability to take what you know about your industry, the latest trends and new technologies and use this to develop solutions or approaches that enable you to achieve the strategic objectives of your role.

9. Refresh your cover letter
A detailed cover letter was once considered essential to your job application. Today that’s changed. In 2019 employers want a succinct two or three paragraph – no more – summary of your unique selling points relevant to the job. Start by stating the role you are applying for, then explain the skills and experience you possess that are most suited to the role. Finally, share one or two recent examples of successful outcomes to demonstrate your suitability. That’s it. You don’t need to show flair or personality, say why you are attracted to the role, list your career ambitions or describe your background or hobbies. Instead, pique the reader’s interest so that they want to open your CV to find out more.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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