How to make yourself more hireable for employers

Hone your soft skills

Ever since COVID-19, employers have been increasingly on the lookout for workers who are flexible, adaptable, and have good online and offline communication skills. Such soft skills are essential for companies who want to protect their business from future pandemics and other disruptions.

Jobseekers often focus on their professional skills, underestimating the power of soft skills. Learn about the six most important soft skills in the post-pandemic workplace.

Keep your CV up to date

Always make sure your CV has the most relevant and up-to-date information for your job application. Some job openings receive hundreds of applications, so your CV needs to present you in the best possible light. Do not be afraid to tweak your CV depending on the job you are applying for. Read your CV from an employer’s perspective – this will help you decide what to add and what to omit. Highlight the skills and experience that you think your employer would find most relevant.

You can check out our CV writing tips for people with limited work experience.

Contact a EURES Adviser

If you are interested in working abroad, our EURES Advisers can help you identify your strengths, interests and values, and support you in searching and applying for jobs. This service is absolutely free and will help you boost your employability.

Find a EURES Adviser in your region or contact your local EURES Adviser via chat.

Be open to learning new skills

Learning is a lifelong journey and many employers are aware that their workers constantly need to update their skills to keep the business moving forward. If you have taken any courses (whether formal or informal) make sure to feature this in your CV and cover letter. This will show your potential employer that you are open to learning new skills and improving.

‘Clean up’ your social media profiles

Many employers and recruiters admit that they look up potential candidates on social media as part of the recruitment process. Make sure your social media accounts look presentable or are restricted to public users.

Read this article to learn more about building a clean and professional online presence.

Practice telling ‘your story’ to interviewers

You may have the most comprehensive CV, but recruiters will often ask you to tell them about your job experience and educational background. Be ready to tell that story in different formats – be it face-to-face interviews, video calls or phone calls. Use concise and engaging language, and just like in a CV – emphasise the most relevant information for this particular employer. Do not go into personal or irrelevant details – keep your story strictly professional.

Build a comprehensive LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn can be a great source of job offers and it is a popular tool among recruiters. Just like with your CV, make sure your LinkedIn profile is comprehensive and presents you in the best possible light. The platform is also perfect for online networking, which can further improve your employability. Read our tips on effective online networking.

Make the most out of the EURES portal

With over 4 million vacancies around Europe, the EURES portal is the perfect place to find a job. Contact a EURES Adviser in your country to learn how to make the most out of the EURES portal. You can also use the Europass tools to build a strong CV and impactful cover letter that will make you stand out from the other applicants.

Finding your first job does not have to be scary if you approach it with the right attitude and an open mind. Check out our tips to make your job hunting less daunting and more productive.

Related links:

Chat with EURES Advisers

EURES website

Europass website

Four tips for writing a CV when you have limited experience

Nine things new graduates should know when they start job searching

Search for EURES Advisers

Six soft skills you need in the post-pandemic workplace

Top 4 tips for jobseekers on building a clean and professional online presence

Top 6 tips for effective online networking

Read more:

European Job Days