How to get hired in 4 easy steps

Talent acquisition professional Luke Hannon shares relevant tips and hints for finding your dream job.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Luke Hannon

Unemployment in Denmark is the lowest it's been in 14 years, according to Statistics Denmark. However, finding a job as a non-Dane is challenging for all unless you are well-connected and informed. Even in today's multicultural Denmark, employment rates for non-Danes lag far behind native-born Danes. Let's change that, shall we?

You're probably wondering, "who is this column for?" Well… it's for YOU! No matter your situation or experience, these tips are for everyone - so here goes:

TIP #1 - Have an awesome CV

People say recruiters are lazy, and research suggests that they scan a CV for only 7 seconds. That's not long to make an impact! Luckily, many simple fixes make your CV stand out from the other 99%.

1. Keep it simple!

No need to get fancy. Use a template to ensure you're setting out your CV in the best way possible. I recommend Novoresume for simple, no-frills templates.

2. Keep it short!

Keep it to two A4 pages max. If you're applying for a job in finance, nobody cares about the job in a sandwich shop when you were sixteen! Summarise your past five years of experience and education. Include all relevant skills and responsibilities and use industry-standard keywords.

3. Focus on impact!

I always say, responsible for X means nothing if you suck at it! It's far better to say you "Managed a team of ten and increased sales by 35%" than "Managed a sales team". Summarise your responsibilities for sure, but always highlight your impact.

"You've got to network to get work! Despite Dane's reputation for being reserved, they love a good networking event. So learn to love them too!"

TIP #2 - Stand out on Linkedin

It's no secret that recruiters love Linkedin. So if you supercharge your Linkedin profile, you'll be sure to stand out!

The first thing recruiters will see is your profile picture. So make it a good one. A simple headshot of you smiling is enough. Also, make sure to match the tone of your picture with the industry you're hoping to work in. I once spoke with a hiring manager who said they were finding it hard considering someone for an IT position because their Linkedin page showed them in a karate gi wielding nunchucks! So please… unless you're applying at a karate school - no nunchucks! Linkedin is a social media platform. Keyword "social". Once you've determined the companies you'd like to work for, start interacting with them. Connect with the recruiters at that company, find out their challenges and then (gently!) show them how YOU can solve them with YOUR skills and knowledge.

TIP #3 - Know where to look

Once you've sorted your CV and Linkedin, it's time to get hunting. Many job boards in Denmark offer a wide range of opportunities. Of these, JobIndex and Workindenmark are the most well-known. However, for technical jobs, it-jobbank is your best bet!

If you're a student or graduate, then definitely check out Graduateland. Here you can create a profile and find various jobs matching your skills and education.

TIP #4 - Get networking!

You've got to network to get work! Despite Dane's reputation for being reserved, they love a good networking event. So learn to love them too!

I recommend starting small. Look on Meetup for smaller events that match your job search. If you're at university, enquire about networking events on campus or in your local area.

Preparing is half the battle, so research the people attending and take note of the people you'd like to meet. Then, once you've done your prep, show up with your biggest smile and your fanciest business cards and start making connections.

Don't stand in the corner - get out there and talk to people. And follow up afterwards. Always follow up and nurture these newly-made relationships. You'll never regret this last part! On the contrary, applying these tips will improve your chances of finding the job you've always wanted. So stay tuned for next month!