Looking for a job can be a stressful experience. Whether you’ve just finished university, or you’ve been made redundant from a long-standing position, it can be tough to line up work – and fast. Where do you start looking? How do you sell yourself? How do you tackle the job interviews? All this, while also trying to satisfy your own career goals, desires and ambitions. So, how can you maximise your success while job-hunting? Here are some tips to get you thinking.
What job?
If you’re looking for a job for the mid- or long-term, you need to be serious in your search for work – because the role you take up will be a big part of your life. It means you need to be clear about what it is you want to do. If you’re fresh out of your studies, then try and look for work which will help you gain some great experience in your chosen career. It may not be the best paid or have the best hours, but it could be a step in the right direction. Focus on what it is you want to do and go for it.
If you’ve already been working for a while and you’ve been made redundant, or you’re looking for your next job move, then again you need to focus on exactly what it is that you see yourself doing. Do you want to change career path? Do you want to work for a much larger organisation? Do you want to take on new responsibilities? What you launch your search for work, have a clear idea of the profile of job you’re after and make that the epicentre of your efforts.
Get ready to apply
Once you start seeing jobs that you’re keen to be considered for, you need to submit an application. This is one of the most important parts of the recruitment process: do it badly and you won’t get through the gate to the next stage. So, prepare a strong CV that will wow recruiters – and make sure you tailor your cover letters to the job you are applying for. There is nothing worse than sending a generic letter to all companies; it shows a lack of interest in the position and the employer. You can get some help and inspiration at Iresumecoverletter.com
Get online
It used to be the case that if you wanted to find a job, you would scour newspapers, magazines and recruitment centres. Now, with the internet and social media, the electronic jobs market is your oyster. So, get online, have a good look at specialist work sites, agencies and job platforms. Register yourself on them and get job alerts to your email.
Also, if you haven’t already, you need to have a strong social media presence. For instance, you’ll want to think about developing a LinkedIn profile that really sells your education, skills and experience – and the kind of character that you are. Employers often use platforms like this to reach people and to check out possible candidates.
