In our previous blog, we discussed what employers can do to secure high-performing talent in a candidate-short market where there is a significant lack of qualified workers to recruit. This time, we’ll focus on what job seekers can do in this situation to improve their chances of getting hired.

In a candidate-short market, the dwindling supply of highly skilled talent simply cannot keep up with the demand. Recent surveys have indicated that 27% of employers are having difficulty in filling job roles due to the lack of hard or soft skills among applicants. For certain jobs that require crucial soft skills in problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking, 30% of recruiters have noted that there is a lack of these skills among applicants.

This could be the reason why you might be struggling in your job-hunting efforts, whether you’re new to the job market or you’re looking for better opportunities versus your current or previous job. Before you continue with your job search, you may want to consider the following tips that can help improve the results of your applications. Hopefully, you’ll get more call-backs from recruiters and land the job that’s truly right for you.

1. Assess your career plan

Every job is a stepping stone towards building a career. Make sure that the job you’re after is in line with your short- and long-term career goals. This will help you focus on how you want to map out your career. It’s OK if your goals change along the way. You might even discover that you need to shift to a different career that’s more fulfilling and aligned with your life goals as well. Knowing where you’d like to go will guide you on which direction you’ll take in your job search.

2. Know the values and the culture of the company

Based on previous studies, 60% of job hunters have said that they would accept a job offer based on the company benefits. Yet 80% of employees have remarked that being unhappy at work would be their top reason for quitting.

It’s naturally understandable if you’re looking for a new job due to the perks. But when you do your research about the company, learn more about the values that the organisation stands for and their work culture. These are factors that will also motivate your performance and affect your career growth. If the company offers little to no room for personal and professional development, look for another one that takes this into consideration.

3. Be open to upskilling

As mentioned earlier, the scarcity of skilled workers is the reason why there’s a candidate short market. If there are certain skills that you lack and they are required for the job you want, then invest in training courses. Career-oriented platforms such as LinkedIn offer a wide variety of online learning modules that will help expand your skillset.

Mention in your CV and in your online career profile – we highly recommend that you create one or update your profile — the courses that you’ve accomplished in relation to your job application. This will catch the recruiter’s attention and increase your chances of getting contacted for an interview.

Some companies are willing to accept applicants who may fit most of the job requirements but still need training in some areas. Make sure you point that out in your interview that you are open to learn new skills as some organisations offer training to employees for career development.

4. Customise every application

Don’t send out a cookie-cutter resume to all the companies that you’re applying for. You may be applying for the same job title in different companies but each one has particular requirements for the role. Be strategic with your applications. Create a specific cover letter and CV per company and indicate your particular skills and experience that fit exactly what they’re looking for. Recruiters will know quickly if you’re the right candidate for the job. It saves them time and your application will stand out as a result.

You can even mention something about the company that attracted you, such as their commitment to career development or their support to various social causes. Employers will appreciate that you took the time and effort to learn more about them.

5. Set realistic expectations

Yes, job hunting does take time. But you also have to understand the perspective of the recruiter. The duration of the recruitment process will depend on the job that you’re applying for. The more specialised the role, the more stringent the process. More time will be spent to ensure that recruiters have the most qualified prospects, especially in this candidate short market. Thousands of dollars can be wasted if the company hires the wrong candidate for the job.

Recruiters will also be inundated with hundreds of job applications that they need to sort through. That’s why it’s essential that you should tailor your CV and cover letter to put you in their radar right away. If you haven’t received feedback about your application, follow up with them after 1 or 2 weeks to jumpstart your job search. This simple action may be just the boost you need for recruiters to notice you.

When the time comes to discuss about salary, be prepared to negotiate if necessary. The company may offer less than what you have in mind but if they also offer other benefits and perks, then this may be enough to suit your needs.
Industry-leading recruitment agency in Vietnam

Job-hunting in a candidate short market can be quite challenging, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find the job you want. If you’re open to learning more to enhance your skills and make the necessary adjustments in your job-searching process, you’ll stand a greater chance of having more interview appointments and getting hired.

As an experienced workforce management company based in Vietnam, The Talent Consultants offers rewarding opportunities for job seekers to find gainful employment with multinational businesses. We provide talent sourcing consultancy to help employers find the most qualified candidates for a variety of job roles. Check our resources to help you in your job search. Send your CV through our online form here or feel free to go through our available job vacancies. For more information, call us on +84 28 7309 7991.