I thought id way in with a few tips and tricks that has landed me a job quite easily (i am primarily from the UK so it could still be applicable else where).
* Your career choice - If you are applying for a job that is very niche (car design as an example), then you may want to start considering other career aspects. Look what is trending in the market at the moment and grind yourself to be well versed in that subject. Reason I say this is because I finished a degree related to property a few years back and it led to no jobs at all. I didnt want to waste time so i swapped career paths and did a masters in Computer Science. Upon completion, i managed to land my first role. To put things into perspective, I have had 3 interviews, 2 jobs I have secured. In relation to property, i had zero interviews for a year even though I got a first in my degree and had experience. Having a friend who I studied property with aswell, she is struggling so much, leading to her work only being contractual compared to permanent. Yes contracters do make more but thats only if you got regular work, unfortunately this is not the case.
* Your CV - Your CV should comprise of a summary, your academic certifications, your soft skills, technical skills, and your interpersonal skills. While your CV gives you a background of you, your cover letter should be specific to the job you are applying to. Sometimes the smallest of mistakes can cost you even being acknowledged by the interviewer so make sure you get your CV checked by someone. Can be from a freelance.
* Get a LinkedIn Account - Many companies are opting to getting info from their potential employees from LinkedIn. If you have "visual" skills such as making a game, video, this is the best place to put it, as compared to a CV with a "link". It doesnt look very pleasing on a CV, where as on a Linked In page, it does.
* Portfolio - If you are applying for a job, you want to impress. If you are applying for a gaming job for example, maybe show off your previous work in Unity 3D, and so forth. This can be your hobby work, uni work, and actual real work experience.
* Go Freelance - if your skill set is like programming, art, or similar, then why not go freelance to gain experience.
* Don't be nervous - Nervousness can be one key killer for an interview. The more you go to interviews, the less nervous you tend to be anyways. Make it a habit to practice with friends, and family. If you are nervous, ask them if you can use the toilet, wash your face, breathe, the interviewer is just a human, just like you, he/she breathes like you, talks like u, and was once like you too. You will go back with a better perspective.
* Research - If you got an interview date, then make sure you research the company, what they do, their revenue, their history.
* Do you know you? - One of the ice breakers at an interview is "so tell me about yourself". This is the golden opportunity to shine, in explaining your passions, your aspirations for the job, how your past experience makes this the perfect challenge. Always conclude with saying "....and thats why i want to work for this prestigious company".
* Do you have any questions - After the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have questions. I tend to side step this by saying "well firstly, i want to thank you for the opportunity, and I am genuinely very passionate about this role......" (sugar coat your skills to them). Then ask your questions, like what you expect to be doing in the first 6 months.
* Write a thank you letter - Upon completion of the interview, write a thank you letter expressing their time and commitment. Express again why you are perfect for the job.
* Not successful - Its not end of the world if you are not successful. Its also worth talking to the interviewer asking for feedback of why you were unsuccessful, and use that as an advantage point to learn.
