5 Ways Women Can Overcome That Nerve-Racking Job Search

Looking for a new job can often be a daunting process, especially for women who face unique challenges along the way. LinkedIn research shows that networking or reaching out to a contact is one of the hardest parts of a job search for 23% women in India, compared to 19.5% men.

Even after securing interest, women find the interviewing process hard, with a rate of 29% in India, compared to 24% for men. Receiving a rejection also knocks their confidence, with a rate of 59% for Indian women, compared to 53% for men.

However, the right mindset and a shift in strategies can lead you to the most exciting career opportunities. Here are five tips from Nirajita Banerjee, Career Expert and Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn India designed to enhance competitiveness and confidence at every step of the job search process.

1. Make your profile stand outA robust LinkedIn profile creates a strong first impression and could make all the difference. Make sure to note your key strengths, skills (we recommend adding at least 5 on your profile!) and accomplishments in the Experience section to show recruiters a well-rounded view of what you bring to the table. You can also turn on the #OpenToWork feature, signalling the types of roles you’re interested in.
2. Highlight your skillsA skills-based hiring approach is growing to be more actively adopted by recruiters so highlighting your skills throughout the job search process is prudent. Do not be afraid to highlight the knowledge that you have gained and your transferable skills, even if your current job title might not reflect this.
3. Showcase your soft skillsWomen bring unique soft skills to the table that are highly valued. Showcase your soft skills such as your emotional intelligence, creativity, communication and interpersonal abilities. Team wellbeing and collaboration is becoming more prized than ever.
4. Prepare for the interviewInterviews can be hard, especially if you are returning from a career/maternity break. Practising interviewing techniques can help overcome the barriers that you might face. You can use LinkedIn’s interview prep feature to practise and get feedback. Doing these small efforts can help you to appear and feel more confident during the interview.
5. Leverage your network and it’s net worthYour network is priceless when it comes to growing your career, with professionals 4X more likely to get hired through their network. Follow companies to learn more about job opportunities and also about the company’s culture. Seek out the opinions, experiences, and insights of prospective employers so that you can align your capabilities with what they are looking for.