Get The Job That You Deserve With These Simple and Straightforward Job Searching Tips
Searching for a
job can be one of the most frustrating experiences a person can go through;
especially in an economy that is still feeling the effects of the recent
recession. Whilst it is once again
becoming a ‘candidates market’ the job market continues to be fierce, with many
candidates vying for the most attractive posts.
Even though the
job market has dramatically improved over the last few years, whether one is a
seasoned professional or a recent graduate, it can still be incredibly
difficult to get hired. By using a defined and directed job search strategy,
job seekers can find positions that they are ideally qualified for, meet their
criteria, and that they stand a good chance of getting.Map Out Your Plan:
When embarking on a serious job
search, your first step should be figuring out what your personal career goals
are and the types of roles you are truly interested in pursuing. Take some time
to make a list of what your own criteria are when it comes to job description,
growth potential, and compensation. It may help you to download our ‘job search checklist’ as part of this plan.
Establish a time frame for finding a
new job and make a list of achievable goals along that timeline. Start with
polishing up your CV or having a fresh one written for you if it has a number
of years since you applied for a job. Finding
a job can be a bit of a full-time job in itself so determine how much time you are
able to devote daily or weekly to applying for jobs and stick to your schedule.
Keep a careful record of all the
responses you receive and stay organised when it comes to scheduling
interviews. If you are serious about
finding a new role, you will simply have to find the time to attend interviews.
Specialist Recruitment Agencies:
There are thousands of recruitment
agencies out there so channel your energy into one that is right for you. Are
they a specialist or a generalist agency, i.e. are they regularly advertising
the kind of roles that you are looking for and do their consultants have links
to workers in your industry sector within their LinkedIn profiles?
If so, they
will probably have access to a mine of terrific jobs that are not available on
the ‘open market’. Recruiters, including
ourselves, get inundated with applications so make the difference by detailing
in a cover note exactly why you are the ‘stand out candidate’ and detail precisely
what you are looking for in your next role in terms of industry sector, role
types and salary (and indeed if you’re prepared to work for a competitor). Then
recruiters can quickly see whether they have the roles that will be right for
you.
Traditional Networking:
Networking is still one of the best ways
to get a new job, with studies showing that over 50% of all hires are made
through referrals and recommendations. However, if you are a recent graduate, or
school leaver, you may not yet have this 'work-network' so start with your University
alumni association or career office. Speak to friends and family members and
even your old teachers about any jobs they might know of in your field of
interest.
Social Media Networking:
Use your social media accounts to
highlight your career accomplishments and goals, especially on sites like
LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, all of which are routinely used by recruiters to
announce job openings and scout for potential candidates. If you are unemployed
or your current boss knows that you are hunting for a new job, it is alright to
mention that you are actively looking for a new position in your status, and
can help drive more interest your way from hiring managers.
Regularly update your LinkedIn profile as
this will signal to recruiters that you are proactively looking. Whilst managing your social networks remember
to ensure that they show you in your very best light!
Direct Your Energies:
The old-fashioned techniques of cold calling
for jobs can still be a very effective way to find job openings in sales. What better way to experience your sales prowess
than to actually pitch yourself in to gain an interview!
However, it is important to make sure
that you are directing your energies towards companies in which you are
seriously interested and know something about. Take the time to research
companies in your industry and make a list of those that appeal to you, both
for what they do and how well you think you might fit in. Make the call to the hiring managers, send an
updated CV and write a short bullet pointed cover letter, which specifies why
you are particularly interested in their company and why you would be a good
fit for them.
Follow Up:
Whether you approached
the company proactively or responded to an advertised opening, make sure to
follow up with the human resources department or hiring manager, either by
phone or email.
Let them know
why you are interested in the job and briefly re-iterate your skills. Hiring
managers often sift through hundreds of CV's a week and taking a few minutes to
check in on the status of your application will go a long way towards making
you stand out from the crowd.
The job hunt can
certainly be a frustrating experience, but by employing the right strategy, you
can make your search that much more successful and rewarding. Perseverance is
also essential – don’t give up if it takes a bit of time. Finding the right job
is simply a matter of patience, research, and following a solid plan.
Finally:
We’re in the
process of overhauling our Career Tools section for candidates in preparation for 2015. Why
not take a look at it for more career advice that has been specifically written
for sales professionals.
