Ramadan is a time that many job seekers consider a lull period. As such, and influenced by the common misconception that employers disappear during the Holy Month, their efforts to find a job soon go down their list of priorities.
However, job vacancies in Ramadan are a sign that employers really are looking for candidates to fill positions. Halting your search is contrary to what you should be doing. In fact, this is the best time to double down and scale up your search efforts!
Below are 8 steps that, if applied, will significantly improve your results. Read on to find them out!
This can be a great opportunity, especially with the extra time on your hands, to start improving your CV First impressions matter—even online. You should also integrate your unique selling point into your CV so that you’re noticeable among the long list of applicants vying for the same position.
Make sure it’s also free of mistakes, e.g. spelling errors, verbose writing, etc. This will put you ahead of most other applicants who don’t take these factors into account. Your CV can act as great leverage for interviews if you’re able to show or say something the interviewer won't be able to forget. If you are interested in a Professional CV written by our CV experts, you can let us know here.
When looking for candidates, companies want to spend less, meaning their main avenues for finding employees will be through word-of-mouth referrals — and your online presence. On Bayt.com, employers regularly use our CV search function and may not directly post every job that they are hiring for.
First of all, identify how you want to be perceived online by potential employers or hiring companies. Afterward, focus on establishing yourself as an online authority through that lens. Post on social media channels, and forums. You can network through Bayt People, build a personal website, attend networking events, reach out to hiring managers - use various tools to build a reputation that will have companies trying to get your attention.
Tying in with the previous point, the distinction lies in how you go about doing it. Anyone can post on LinkedIn or create their personal website. The key is in understanding how you’ll stand out as an expert in your field.
If you don’t know where to start, you can brainstorm using these questions:
By putting yourself in their shoes and thinking as if you were one of them, your understanding of where these employers are coming from will show in everything from your cover letter to your communication during the interview. They’ll be much more inclined to hire you because of it.
Did you know that 70% of jobs are not advertised? Hiring managers usually opt for their existing network—their most cost-effective option—to fulfill their headhunting objectives.
Start by engaging people you’re already familiar with (family, friends, colleagues, etc.). You likely know more people than you think, and there’s a good chance one or two contacts will help you in finding a job. They could even help you connect with their network and massively increase your chances of meeting an employer. Check out who you know on Bayt People or reach out to people who are in your industry.
You can also go on social media channels and proactively engage others—whether that’s fellow employees or hiring managers. While some of these managers might not be actively looking for candidates, just acquiring their attention and getting on their radar will put you on their mind when a vacancy in their company opens up.
It can be beneficial to set aside some time to define what (and who) it is you’re seeking. In fact, it can often prove necessary before even doing any of the steps that have been discussed.
Start by listing out the companies whom you want to work for and write down why you believe they should hire you. Look at their culture; determine how their values align with yours and integrate this into all your communication with them. You can learn more about many companies on Bayt.com Company Search.
Identify exactly how you would bring value and fit in by joining their workforce. Write all of this down. This will act as answering firepower in interviews, which will serve to make you stand out from the competition.
The first thing to understand going into any interview is that half—if not most—of the screening process is already done. Having read through your CV and cover letter, the hiring manager doesn’t need further proof that you’ll do well in the role.
What they’re trying to extract from the interview, however, is whether you’ll be a good fit for the company or team. This appears through your personality, how you present yourself (what you wear matters!) and if you show your alignment with the company values by answering their questions correctly.
It’s recommended that you take advantage of the extra time in Ramadan and work on improving your communication skills. Done consistently, this will yield substantial benefits over the long term for your professional (and personal) life.
If you feel like your CV appears lacking or feel that you’re lagging in terms of skills and qualifications, Ramadan is a great time to invest in upskilling and education. Sign up for courses, attend webinars, and even find a mentor who can help add momentum to your job searching endeavors.
By doing this you’ll acquire more experience, increase your job-specific expertise, and naturally have more confidence. All of this will be sub-communicated in your interviews and put you well ahead of your competition.
Job hunting in Ramadan can prove tiring. However, it’s crucial that you always hold yourself to a high standard. Stretch your comfort zone. Capitalize on the fact that most people are taking time off—time that you can use to your advantage.
Simultaneously, it’s equally important that you make self-care a priority, especially during the Holy Month. Focus on getting proper nutrition. Exercise regularly—at least 30 minutes a day. Perhaps most importantly, get enough hours of sleep so that you wake up feeling well-rested the next day.
When possible, request that you have interviews after Iftar. Dehydration takes away from your focus, so asking for an interview that’s outside fasting hours or early morning so that you are still relatively fresh will ensure better performance on your end.
Most job seekers will not be actively pursuing jobs or upskilling themselves during Ramadan. This is a great opportunity for you. It might mean expending more energy and sacrificing wind-down time, but it will help accelerate your career significantly.
Staying focused and consistent will carry you through the month and will make you feel more confident and prepared for any interview.
Do you have any tips of your own to share about job hunting at this time of the year? Leave us a comment!
