Recruitment can be a remarkably laborious and lengthy process, but using relevant tools and methods can significantly enhance your chances of recruitment. Whether you’re a new graduate or switching careers, we’ll take your through important tools and concepts you can use to secure a job you’ll love.

1) Start with a professional resume

Your resume is your first opportunity to impress prospective employers. It should highlight your qualifications, experience, and talents succinctly. A professional resume can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of being noticed. 

Resume tools:   

• UTS Resume and Cover Letter Workbook: This 10-page workbook is your complete guide to crafting a winning resume and cover letter! It includes helpful templates, checklists, and step-by-step activities to guide you through the writing process.  

• Resume builder apps: Resume builder apps have templates that are helpful if you’re short on time and want to create a CV easily.  

• Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Word and Google Docs offer a wide range of free, editable resume templates that cater to different industry standards and tastes. 

• Canva: Canva offers visually appealing templates that help you stand out, especially for those looking for jobs in creative industries.

2) Tailor your resume to each job

Tailoring your resume increases the likelihood of landing a job you’ll love. Rather than passively applying for jobs with a generic resume, customise the resume to fulfil the needs of an advertised job vacancy. 

• Read the job description carefully: Highlight the required skills and competencies required of a successful candidate, then tailor your CV to showcase how your past achievements or roles align with them. 

• Use keywords: The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is one of the most commonly employed methods of screening applicants. To pass this system, specific keywords should be included in your resume. Addressing this will likely lead to a higher interview yield.  

• Focus on relevant experience: Emphasise your most relevant work experience and skills, describing the transferrable skills you can bring to the new position. 

Resume checkers:   

• UTS Rate My Resume: Digitally review your tailored resume on demand and receive detailed, honest feedback on wording, layout, and resume length. This gives you a clear idea of how ATS systems would screen your resume and whether it would pass. UTS students can upload their resume up to 10 time per year.

3) Build an impressive online presence

Hiring managers will likely have a look at your online history to inform whether they should proceed with an interview or not.  

Tools to build your online presence: 

• LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile with new skills, experience, and career goals. Use LinkedIn to network with professionals in your field and join relevant communities to stay informed about job openings. Be sure to check out our UTS Careers LinkedIn Workbook to help you create a standout profile! 

• Personal website: Your website highlights your work and is especially crucial for those in creative fields like graphic design, writing, or web development. 

• Online portfolio: If your work is visual, platforms like Behance or Dribbble allow you to showcase it publicly, helping to attract potential employers.

4) Job search engines

Using the right job search engines can increase your efficiency in discovering jobs you’ll love. 

Websites we recommend: 

• UTS CareerHub: UTS students can search and filter jobs by contract type, residency requirements, faculty, and more, then save them for later. Managed by UTS Careers, CareerHub jobs have been screened for legitimacy and we offer support if issues arise. Plus, discover events to network and find new opportunities. 

• Faculty Career Hubs: Find industry-specific job boards with opportunities you may not see elsewhere. 

• UTS Careers Directory by Prosple: UTS, in partnership with Prosple, offers a dedicated directory advertising internships and graduate roles. 

• GradConnection: Another popular and trusted platform for student-focused opportunities, including internships and graduate roles. 

• Indeed: It’s one of the most widely used job search engines and enables quick application. 

• Glassdoor: Glassdoor lists job vacancies and also provides company reviews, salaries, and interview tips. 

• LinkedIn Jobs: Yes, LinkedIn is more than a networking platform – it also has a job search engine to find and apply for jobs. 

• ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter is another long-established job engine that sends CVs to registered employees after your online registration. This can give your application extra visibility.

5) Prepare for the interview

Once you’ve successfully navigated the screening process, it’s time to prepare for your interview.  

Preparation tips: 

• Research the company: Take notes on the organisation’s history, ethos, culture, and recent activity or projects. This helps you tailor your presentation to showcase genuine interest and a perfect fit for the company. 

• Practice common interview questions: Master different question types—general, behavioural, motivation-based, and accomplishment-based. Beyond essentials like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”, practice industry-specific questions to stay confident and focused in your answers. 

• Mock interviews: Practice with a peer, relative, or mentor to feel more at ease during your interview. You can also use online mock interview tools, like the UTS Careers Video Interview Practice Tool, to record, review, and refine your responses and body language. 

• Prepare your questions: Interviews are a conversation, so bring your own questions to show genuine interest in the position.

6) Use networking to your advantage

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Many positions aren’t even publicly advertised and are filled through word of mouth. 

Networking tools: 

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is an excellent professional networking platform. Make sure to join relevant groups and engage with the right people. 

• Networking events: Attend industry conferences, conventions, and job fairs to connect with the right people. The UTS Graduate and Internship Careers Fair on 26 February 2025 is a great place to start. 

• Alumni networks: University alumni are typically reachable through the institution’s alumni association. At UTS, this is facilitated by UTS Alumni. The university also provides a Professional Mentoring Platform that links students with alumni mentors. Additionally, LinkedIn offers an Alumni Tool to help you find alumni in your specific field. 

Conclusion 

Despite initially seeming daunting, the job-seeking process can be rewarding once you find the relevant tools and approaches. Stay organised, be prepared, and keep pushing along in your search, and you’ll be on your way to land a job you’ll love. Happy job hunting! 

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.