Sure, we’re all used to it now – but technology has come a long way in the last decade. Just think, would you have ordered your groceries from an online supermarket in 2008? Probably not. In fact, you probably still used your landline to make phone calls, and relied on your morning paper or the evening news for your daily dose of current events.

So, when it comes to finding a new job, you can’t rely on the same old tricks to work. The way organisations find, measure and evaluate talented individuals has evolved – and so must you.

Here’s how to get a job in the new world of work:

1) Know your strengths and weaknesses.

We’ve all been asked to describe our key strengths and weaknesses in an interview - and you probably answered with the generic “hardworking”, “creative” or “dedicated” adjectives (you might have even thrown in the classic “I’m a perfectionist” weakness). But in today’s jobs market, being open and honest about the areas you excel at, and the areas where there’s room for improvement, can actually work to your advantage.
Organisations are less interested in finding people with the right skills and experiences as they are finding people with a high level of emotional intelligence and the right mindset. They want people who can adapt to change, bring new ideas to the table, and are willing and ready to learn. 

So, before you start applying for jobs, determine what it is you actually want from one. What did you excel at or enjoy doing in your most recent job (and what did you hate)? Why are you interested in your industry or sector? How do you add value to employers? Answer these questions and you’ll have the right foundation for your CV and job search.

2) Make sure you want it.

When looking for a new job, many people fall into the trap of applying for anything and everything that’s on offer. But your success isn’t measured by how many positive responses or interviews you get, or how many job offers for that matter - you succeed if you find a job that’s right for you. 

So, before you hit the apply button, make sure you actually want the job. Do your research on the organisation and try to find out why they exist. How are they adding value to society? Are you passionate about what they’re trying to achieve? Does it align with your own values? The last thing you want is to take on a new role and, during your first week on the job, realise it’s not the one for you.

3) Have the right attitude.

You might have all the skills and experience in the world, but if you show up to an interview with a bad attitude, the odds won’t be in your favour.

In today’s business environment, things are evolving at a breakneck speed. As a result, organisations don’t need employees who are happy going through the motions (and then going home). They need agile people who are hungry to learn new skills and see the value in collaborating with others to achieve an end goal.

But, most importantly, they need people with passion – because that passion will lead to innovative ideas and worthwhile results. 

That’s why it’s vital that you ensure the jobs you apply for are the jobs you want – because that passion will come through in your interview. 

4) Don’t judge a book by its cover.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, or so the saying goes. So, if you’re looking for a fresh challenge, don’t rely on what’s you’ve done previously – look for organisations that align with you and your goals.

Take a look at what’s currently out there in your industry and try to find organisations you’re genuinely passionate about. Then follow them on LinkedIn or Twitter – and find other business leaders or influencers that have an active online presence. This will give you a much better perspective of what you actually want.

And when you do start applying for jobs, be careful not to rule organisations out based on superficial standards, such as having a bad website or a poorly written job description – the organisation and their purpose are what’s important – so, do your research and give them the chance to wow you. 

5) Invest in an online presence.

Networking used to be confined to in-person events – after work drinks, roundtable discussions and conferences - but nowadays, the opportunities to network online are enormous. 

Get involved with online discussions by joining forums or industry-related groups on social media, and showcase your expertise with like-minded people. And don’t stop there. Publish your latest ideas on LinkedIn, or write blogs for sites like Medium, and build your presence on social media. Create an online portfolio to showcase your work, and register your interests with relevant recruiters. 

While change can be scary (and challenging), we are truly living in an exciting time where there are plenty of opportunities to advance your career – so don’t be disheartened. Seize the opportunity!