The job market in Malaysia today is getting more competitive and searching is no longer about applying for a job and sitting back, hoping that you get a call for the interview. While you can make use of networking sites, job search engines, and other such resources, these are, at times, not enough. If your job search is off to a slow start and you are losing hope that you will land in a job that really interests you, below are some tips you must follow to make the whole process smoother.

1. Take Action Sooner Rather than Later

It is likely that your resume will register in your employer’s mind if you send it as soon as you see there is a job opening. This is mainly because, with time, you risk getting your resume lost in the sea of other resumes that people are eventually going to send. So, always remain on top of the new job listing as you get them and apply immediately.

2. Proactively Reach Out to Companies

Your chances of being noticed are very high if you apply for a job even before the job is listed. List out the companies you might be interested in working with. Email or call them to check if there are any openings that suit your interest.

One great way of interacting with the company could be through LinkedIn. Check the kind of groups the company executives are participating in and become a part of them. You could participate in discussions in these groups and familiarize yourself with the company’s culture and people. You could even volunteer at events that the company participates in.

3. Customize your CV

Sending a generic resume and cover letter to all job opportunities is highly ineffective. While time is an important factor, it is not everything. Take time to understand what employer wants. Once you know that, customize your resume to seem like a perfect fit for it. Indicate your relevant skills and past experience keeping in mind the job requirements.

The cover letter is also equally important. Make the cover letter personal for each job opening. Express your desire to work with the company and mention the key highlights of your experience in the cover letter. If you do not customize your resume and cover letter, you might be at risk to be completely ignored by your potential employer.

4. Follow-up

There can be times when you start wondering if your resume has actually been received by the potential employer. This is a perfectly normal feeling that most people get when they do not receive an acknowledgement for the job application. Unless the job advertisement specifically says no mails or phone calls, send an email reminder about your application. Just ensure that you reiterate your desire to work for the company when you do that.

If you reach the interview round, then ensure that you send a thank-you letter afterwards, appreciating the time spent by the interviewer on you.

If you do not receive a job offer with the first few tries, do not be disappointed. Take them as an experience and learn from them. Make sure you reevaluate your strategy if things are not working well over a period of time.

 Read More: 4 Tips to Find Jobs Online in Malaysia

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