{"id":9137,"date":"2026-10-07T15:17:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=9137"},"modified":"2026-10-07T15:37:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:37:54","slug":"job-search-habits-valued-by-employers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=9137","title":{"rendered":"Job search habits valued by employers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Maintaining professional communication throughout your job search can make a lasting impression. Whether you’re <\/span>refining your CV<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>preparing for interviews<\/span><\/a> or considering a job offer, the tools and resources provided by OU Careers and Employability Services can help you stay organised, make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of \u2018professional ghosting\u2019 * (Newkey-Burden, 2025). Access to OU careers support starts with your first module and for three years after your last, at no extra charge.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 1: Find opportunities that match your skills and goals<\/h3>\n

Employers value candidates who have clear career goals and take a focused approach to their job search. Before you start applying, try our <\/span>3-minute careers check-in<\/span><\/a>\u202f to clarify your strengths, interests and motivations and use the <\/span>Labour Market Information (LMI) help centre page<\/span><\/a> to find employers and opportunities that align with your skills, interests and career goals. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 2: Tailor your application to the role<\/h3>\n

Presenting your skills when applying for jobs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>is crucial to your success. Employers value applicants who demonstrate genuine interest in the role. Tailoring your CV, application form and cover letter shows you’ve researched the opportunity and understand how your skills match the employer’s needs. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 3: Prepare for interviews with FutureYou<\/h3>\n

Watch <\/span>Using FutureYOU effectively<\/span><\/a> to learn how to use FutureYOU, the OU\u2019s personal development and careers tool, to find examples from your OU studies quickly and effectively to prepare for interviews.\u202fPreparation is one of the clearest signs of professionalism. Employers value candidates who can provide relevant examples, demonstrate self-awareness and explain the skills they have developed through study, work and life experience. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 4: Accept a job offer professionally<\/h3>\n

Receiving a job offer is exciting, but how you respond can shape your professional reputation. View our <\/span>What to do after: Job interviews<\/span><\/a> help centre page to read more about what to do once you have had an interview.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Habit 5: Withdraw from a job offer professionally<\/h3>\n

If you decide not to take up a role after accepting it, inform the employer as soon as possible. While it may feel uncomfortable, a polite email or phone call is far better than disappearing or failing to attend on your first day (known as \u2018career catfishing\u2019**). If you’re unsure how to proceed, <\/span>book a careers appointment<\/span><\/a> to discuss your options with an OU Careers and Employability adviser.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>By taking a professional and proactive approach throughout your job search, you can build a positive reputation with employers and increase your chances of securing the right opportunity. We wish you the best of luck. <\/span><\/p>\n

OU Careers and Employability Services<\/a><\/p>\n

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References<\/h3>\n