Words by Medy Navani, CEO and founder of Design Haus Medy

March 19, 2019 - Dubai, UAE

The notorious job search can almost feel like a job in itself. With so many qualified contenders battling their way to obtain work in their dream career and the current slump in the job market, it can be difficult to get a foot in the door. Sometimes what it takes is a unique approach in order to increase your chances and land that job interview. Here, Medy Navani, Founder and Creative Director of Design Haus Medy provides his top tactics to apply for a job.

1. Use your network
No one knows you better than those within your network. Although some can find it difficult to ask for help, if you are currently looking for work, take advantage of the tools you have at hand, including those you know. If you think of how extensive everyone’s network is, there is bound to be someone who can help in this respect.

2. Internship
If you are new to the job market or looking to make a career change, being an intern is a great way to not only gain experience but also to open doors within the industry you are looking to work in by putting you in close proximity to influential people within the profession. Although it can be frustrating to not get paid, the skills and experience you will gain are invaluable and usually, if you show the company your worth, it can lead to a paid position after only a few short months.

3. Hand deliver
In the world of emails and being hidden behind screens, sometimes all it takes is putting yourself out there, so hand deliver your resume. Ensure you dress presentably, research the companies you plan to visit and even perhaps have a name of someone who works in HR in order for you to ask for them by name.

4. Make it personal
People buy into people. Sending a blanket email, generic to the company and a salutation of “Dear Sir/Madam” is, I am sorry to say, most likely going to be sent directly to the trash. ALWAYS personalize your correspondence as best you can, including information about the company you are applying for and how they are relevant to you in terms of values. For an added bonus, find the name of the person/s who might be recruiting and address it to them directly.

5. Put yourself out there
At the end of the day, we have to put ourselves out there to get what we want. Find out where those who work in your industry frequent after work and go there. Networking is key and sometimes all it takes is making yourself approachable and creating connections where there once wasn’t. If you are not comfortable going on your own, ask a friend to join you. Remember, make sure to put your best self forward and allow others to get to know you not only as a possible job prospect but on a personal level also.