3 key takeaways from Devex's Job Search Toolkit

Global development is a particularly competitive job market and, with a slowdown in hiring in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever for job seekers to be strategic in their search and ensure their application stands out. Whether they are new to the sector or looking to make a mid-career move, job seekers must invest time in building their networks, reaching out for informational interviews, updating their online profiles, and fine-tuning their CVs. Here are the top takeaways from Devex’s Job Search Toolkit on finding and landing jobs in the sector. Tailor your CV to the position The number one thing a candidate can do to stand out is craft their CV to the specific position, said Kate Warren, executive vice president at Devex. This requires more time, but job seekers who make that effort are likely to see a higher return on their investment. When a candidate takes the time to tailor their CV it shows that they are really motivated and detail-oriented, Warren explained. It also helps them to think about the skills they have that fit the position and what keywords they can use to demonstrate that. Warren recommended that job seekers focus on quality over quantity when it comes to job applications and use terminology that mirrors the role’s description. Speak the language Use keywords to highlight your most marketable skills or those most relevant to the position you are applying for. Including sector-specific words or phrases is important since the recruitment process is increasingly automated and candidate applications are ranked through online systems. “Key words are very central to how a lot of that technology works,” Warren explained, “so you want to be mindful of that and make sure you are not being screened out because you don't have the right keyword.” In vetting CVs, recruiters are also on the lookout for keywords that indicate a candidate has the necessary experience, she added. In addition to skills, training, or certifications, other keywords that candidates can include are the names of funder or donor organizations they’ve worked with or implemented programs for; project names or acronyms; and cities or countries they have experience in. Invest time in your network Networking is something you should be doing throughout your career and is really just about being conscious of building relationships, Warren said. It’s not necessarily the way to get a job directly but can be a way to gather intel, she added. Through your network, you can “learn about opportunities ... learn about what's happening in the sector, what's happening with an organization that will allow you to better frame your experience in a way that will show value,” Warren explained. It’s particularly important for consultants to invest time in maintaining relationships with recruiters and project managers. Consultants should be continuously reaching out to organizations to find out about new opportunities or the status of bids they are included in, said Yavuz Inanli, international recruitment manager with Dexis Consulting Group. He encouraged consultants to advocate for themself and reach out to recruiters who can facilitate conversations where there are openings of interest. Set yourself up for career success in 2021 by downloading the full Job Search Toolkit, with timely advice from leading globaldev recruiters on how to find and apply for your next opportunity. Available exclusively to Devex Career Account members.