James Caan's top 10 tips to get a job

Searching for a new job can be a daunting task. It's hard to know how to distinguish yourself from other candidates and it can be disheartening when you apply for jobs but receive nothing back. Add to this the tough jobs market following the recession and you must make every effort to stand out from the crowd. Follow James Caan's tips for finding a new job and you should find your search becomes a little easier.

1. Like a good business plan, ensure your CV is interesting without giving too much away to clinch that all important interview.


2. Define your skills - especially IT skills that you use on a regular basis in your existing role. Disclose to potential employers how your skills will benefit the company, moreover how your skills will contribute to making the company more efficient and effective.


3. Like any good business, follow the rule of finding a need and filling it.

4. Channel all of your efforts towards finding a company which will actually have a job right for you.

5. Utilise every possible route of finding a job: direct applications, digital job boards, recruitment agencies, personal contacts. Furthermore, focus on reaching & impressing the decision maker (the person who is going to offer you the job you want)


Tips 6 - 10

James Caan is an experienced entrepreneur and a Dragon's Den member. His book, Get The Job You Really Want,  will be published on January 6, 2011 by Portfolio Penguin, £12.99.