Job Search Strategy UK: 5 Key Questions to Boost Results

Job Search Strategy UK: 5 Key Questions to Boost Results

Questions to Ask Yourself That Will Improve Your Job Search Strategy

Your CV is polished and ready to go. But before you start firing off applications, stop and think: what’s your job search strategy?

In today’s competitive market, sending out 100 applications rarely delivers results. A smarter, more strategic approach — focusing on quality over quantity — will save you time and get you in front of the right people.

Think of your job search like a marketing campaign. If you were launching a new restaurant, would you:

  • Hand out 1,000 flyers to commuters rushing past, or
  • Offer 100 samples at lunchtime, when people are hungry and receptive?

The same principle applies to your career. To improve your odds, ask yourself the following questions before hitting “apply.”

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1) Do I Meet the Core Criteria?

Hiring managers don’t list requirements at random. They represent the minimum skills, experience, or qualifications needed to succeed.

If you’re missing two or three of the essentials, it’s unlikely you’ll get a callback. For example, if a role requires:

  • 5+ years in SEO/PPC
  • Team leadership experience
  • International exposure
  • Fluency in Spanish

…then applying with only one year as an analyst, no team leadership, and no Spanish won’t make the cut.

Yes, stretch yourself, but be realistic. You’ll save time and frustration by focusing on roles where you have at least an 80% match.

2) Am I Genuinely Interested in This Role?

It’s easy to apply “just to see what happens.” But recruiters can spot a half-hearted application instantly.

If you wouldn’t accept the role if offered, don’t waste your time — or theirs. Instead, concentrate on positions that excite you, align with your career goals, and move you forward.

3) Have I Tailored My Application?

Recruiters are flooded with generic CVs and cover letters. A tailored application shows effort, enthusiasm, and relevance.

  • Adapt your CV to highlight achievements most relevant to the role.
  • Write a targeted cover letter that connects your skills to the company’s challenges.
  • Mirror keywords and phrases from the job description to boost ATS performance.

A small amount of customisation can put you ahead of 90% of applicants.

4) Am I Leveraging My Network?

Many of the best opportunities never hit the job boards. Instead, they’re filled through referrals and introductions.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I know anyone at this company? Could a LinkedIn contact introduce me?
  • Have I tapped into my alumni network?
  • Have I reached out to recruiters in my sector?

Even at large organisations, an internal referral can move your CV from the bottom of the pile to the top.

5) Have I Considered the Size of the Company?

Your approach should shift depending on whether you’re applying to a global corporation or a smaller business.

  • At smaller companies, be bold. Email or call the hiring manager or even the managing director. Initiative often goes a long way.
  • At larger firms, a referral or recruiter contact may be the only way to bypass the ATS and get noticed.

In Summary

If you’re sending dozens of applications and not hearing back, it’s not just bad luck. Chances are, other candidates:

  • Met the criteria more closely
  • Leveraged connections
  • Put more effort into tailoring their documents

By asking yourself the right questions before you apply, you’ll cut out wasted effort, improve your hit rate, and position yourself as the candidate recruiters actually want to interview.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk