Every year, we have a generous guest called "Ramadan."
When Ramadan arrives, and as with any other guest, specific changes happen. The
changes that come with Ramadan transform all around as you suddenly change your
lifestyle, starting from your sleeping hours to your working hours. That may
leave you stressed as you don't have enough power to job search during Ramadan.
Recruiters
and top managers are not away from these changes also. Ramadan, for most of
them, is a time to take a "break." That means a slower or no recruiting
process for businesses and organizations.
Slowing down or delaying the hiring activity may aggravate job seekers
who are actively looking for work. It may also be perplexing for those who want
to begin searching for work. As a result, questions such as "Should I
start after Ramadan?" arise.
Although some job seekers see Ramadan as a hindrance, it's the perfect
time to be the "ideal candidate." Being "the
ideal candidate" means you've maximized your efforts to increase the
chances of landing the position you seek. So, how can you job search like a pro
and get the job you want this Ramadan?
Here are few tips to help you get the most out of your job search this
Ramadan:
Apply After Iftar
Between Iftar and Taraweeh prayers, almost 2 hours are typically
squandered sitting in front of the TV or sleeping. After you've had a proper
iftar meal and are well hydrated, these two hours are the ideal time to apply
for jobs because: your body is finally regaining energy after a long day of
fasting, and it will be your daily routine for 30 days. Isn't enough to
get
a job?
Delay Watching TV
Ramadan is associated with new TV series. We recognize the thrill of
seeing these shows during Ramadan, as they become the social media trends (Have
you posted the Amir Karara's trending sentence: kuta'a, kush, kusl (in English=Handless,
disabled, lazy persons) or not yet?). However, we now live in a time where
everybody has access to streaming services. You can watch all the series after
Ramadan or during a specific free time only. Utilize your time in job hunting
as most of the job seekers become slow during this month, so the competition is
less.
Search for A Job Smartly
Being smart is essential to ensure a successful job hunting process. "Organisation"
is the keyword for any smart job hunting. Being organized will help you
maximize your job applications effectively as you'll be able to tailor your
resume to meet the requirements of every job and employer. It will also help
you watch the results and
learn
from your mistakes.
Update Your Resume
One resume fits all will not work in today's competitive job market
where recruiters automate their hiring processes and have robust talent pools.
You've to update your resume every 6 months to ensure that you've added your
latest achievements, courses, promotions, etc. A good resume is searchable,
downloadable, and ATS-friendly. If you don't know how to create a professional
resume, Read
Drjobpro
Tips.
Build Your Brand
Since most hiring managers use social media to attract the best talent
for their organization, you must have
a
solid digital presence. Consider how you want to be seen online and work to
identify your identity – what is your selling point. You will sell it through
your resume, social media platforms, and interviews.
Recommendations and online presence play an important role in hiring
nowadays as they're perfect ways to reduce the hiring costs and prove the
candidate's qualifications.
So, your popularity and online identity are your representatives.
Identify Your Unique Selling Point
Successful job seekers are those how can identify their USP. They
understand who they are, their talents, and how much value they can bring to any
company. They have listed their top skills, one-of-a-kind expertise, gifts, and
accomplishments. They are aware of their interpersonal qualifications and
distinguishing personality characteristics.
Understanding how to combine all these factors will help you shine among
the crowd as you'll sell yourself online/offline.
To sell yourself as an asset to the target companies, you've to identify
your unique selling point, understand their needs, be a good communicator, and
have enough self-confidence.
Tailor Your Job Search Plan
Create a tailored career hunting strategy and keep your eye on the job
at hand. Creating a list of particular positions, companies, or industries will
assist you in identifying roles for which you are eligible and involved.
Conducting research allows you to tailor your applications and demonstrates to
recruiters that you pay attention to the details.
Utilize Your Networks
Sending job applications is essential, but it's also vital to know how
to build more professional relationships to reach out to companies and be the
first to know about the job even before posting it. That is the "
hidden
jobs." Online platforms like
LinkedIn
can significantly help you achieve this as you'll easily reach recruiters at
your target companies. Being in Ramadan opens the door for many gatherings;
attend social gatherings like "Iftar parties" you don't know where
your next employer may be.
Clean Up Your Social Media Platforms
Only around 20% of jobs are posted. Recruiters try to reach the perfect
fit before posting the job, so you have to maintain outstanding social media
accounts to outstand among others. Utilize the reduced working hours during
Ramadan to clean up and update your social media accounts; pay special
attention to your LinkedIn as it's your online resume, portfolio, and
competency proof.
You can easily show how you are a top performer who adds value to any
position by posting your latest achievements, certificates, and events you
attend on your social media as you're an "investment" to the company,
and they want to see how profitable you'll be.
Don't Lose Passion
Job searching is a job itself; you've to exert an effort to see the
results. Keep on job hunting during Ramadan using job search websites, companies'
websites,
LinkedIn,
and any other way you think will be helpful. Sometimes, you may feel less
motivated or distracted by family visits, endless TV series, the changed
lifestyle, but you've to learn how to stay on course.
Getting in touch with other job seekers who are in a similar situation
will be a big motivator.
Sharpen Your Skills
Be a self-motivator and try not to be affected by the general
atmosphere. Attend online courses or join workshops – any improvement will give
your career a boost. Any potential employer will undoubtedly value your
attempts to improve your skills.
Ask for Early Interviews
No doubt, after conducting the right job search strategy, you'll receive
job
interview invitations. To ensure being active and fresh, ask the recruiter
to schedule it as early as possible. Researchers have found that dehydration
can reduce brain performance by up to 40%. You can also ask for a "virtual
interview" to avoid being in the street as it's hot and sunny.
Don't forget to follow up
After Eid Al-Fitr is the perfect time to follow up with recruiters, send
follow-up emails to each company you've applied for a job at it during Ramadan.
Hiring will return to normal when business resumes. Reaching the
recruiters during a slow downtime will make your name memorable when they start
their hiring processes again.
Take A Step Ahead
During Ramadan, the effort you exert will set the tune of your job
search during the next few months as companies will start hiring and searching
for the best fits for their openings. The summer season is the peak of
recruitment
in the Gulf and the Middle East.
When started early with an organized plan, the job hunting process can
be very successful during Ramadan. Recruiters want to ensure that their
candidates get in the door at the right moment. You'll be amazed by how much
response you can get by applying for jobs when others don't.
Ramadan can be a difficult time for job seekers. However, with
perseverance and determination, it can also be an excellent time to shine among
the crowd taking time off.
Moreover, laying the groundwork during Ramadan will pave the way for fruitful job searching and getting your dream job. Starting the job search during Ramadan will serve as a jumping-off point for interviews during the summer.