Post Views: 17788 Views
Need a job? Explore 30 sure-fire tips that will help you to keep your job search more focused! Be sure to only apply for jobs that you are qualified to do or for which you have the required skills.
Written by Catherine Adenle
Need a job? Explore these 30 sure-fire tips. Well, as a job seeker, you have to realize that looking for a job is a job in itself if effectively done. When it comes to performing an effective job search, anyone looking for a job can get a lot of advice and sometimes mixed messages on what to do and what not to do via the internet.
The internet is full of information regarding how to conduct a successful job search. However, trawling through the internet for the right information can take a job seeker a few hours of wasted time and effort. So, we have done the work for job seekers by compiling these 30 sure-fire tips.
These are the 30 key things to do in order to make your job search a resounding success:
- First, know the type of work that you like and are capable of doing. Knowing what you want allows you to narrow down your search and spend more time on applying for the roles that suit you. Ask yourself “What would I do as a job if money were no object and why?” If you can answer this, you can and should be able to go forward with a foundation to review and assess any new job opportunity that comes your way.
- Then, know your skills and attributes. Knowing is not enough, you must be able to communicate them.
- Be aware of your past achievements and know-how to demonstrate them when you talk about your skills.
- Know the best companies that specialize in the type of work you are interested in and target them.
- Do your research on the companies’ website and learn as much as you can about the firm’s products and services. Read up on the companies’ news and trends. All the information will help you to prepare and help to better target the companies.
- Get yourself a mentor. Anyone that is an achiever can help you to soar. If you admire anyone professionally because of their career achievements, let them know that you want them to mentor you. Your lecturer or a successful relative can also be your mentor.
- Take advantage of free or inexpensive services that provide career counselling and job search assistance. Check your local library or jobcentre to see if they provide workshops, classes and training that you can utilize.
- Review the CV and covering letter samples on the internet. It’s usually a good idea to look at sample letters and CV to get ideas of how to prepare your own.
- Create your own effective up-to-date ‘core’ CV that you will tweak for each position that you apply for and include a professional sounding email address and your other contact details.
- Tailor your CV to fit the job description of the job you are applying for. Don’t rely on one cap fits all type of CV to pique the interest of the recruiting manager. Pick out some main themes and keywords in the job description and use similar words or phrases when writing your career objective and when describing your work history on your own CV.
- A great cover letter is essential, so have one crafted and tweak as necessary for each position that you apply for.
- Be references ready. Have a list of two references including name, job title, company, phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers. Print copies of your reference list and take a copy with you to interviews.
- Keep your job search focused! Be sure to only apply for jobs that you are qualified to do or for which you have the required skills. Most companies notice candidates with the skills and experience that they’re looking for. If you don’t have these, your CV may be ignored.
- Need a job? Create a professional presence on LinkedIn, follow the companies that you target and get their employers and others interested in you.
- On LinkedIn, start making connections with anyone who can help you with your job search. However, remember not to be a pest.
- Clean up your CV and cover letter. Check your CV and cover letters for anything erroneous. Typos and grammatical errors are frowned upon by hiring managers. Use consistent font and font sizes throughout. No gimmicks or colours. See 20 Resume Tips That Will Land You a Job
- Google yourself and clean up your online reputation. Potential employers may look at any online profile of yours, your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts may get a visit. So, keep them free of content that would embarrass you or cost you a job. Put positive and branded professional content under your name. See These 30 Social Networking Blunders Can Derail Your Job Search
- Need a job? Note that vacancies are everywhere: hidden and unadvertised, advertised in newspapers, online, word of mouth, job search, internal recruitment, headhunting sites etc. so, never miss an opportunity to spot a job vacancy.
- Search online job sites and dedicate a day or two registering and applying to all the jobs that match your interests.
- Use reliable job search engines to search for roles using pertinent keywords for the role you seek. This way, you will be able to search all the jobs posted online in one step. See Best Job Search websites
- Always search for jobs using keywords on job sites and add more keywords to narrow your search. Don’t forget to specify your geographical location; your postcode normally works fine. Most job sites also have an Advanced Job Search so you can narrow your results.
- Let the jobs roll into your mailbox. Set up daily alerts on job sites so that immediately a new job matching your criteria is advertised, you will get an alert.
- Check your e-mail account daily and continue to cast a wide net by applying for more jobs.
- Post your CV on trusted job portals online, this will get your details within the reach of thousands of employers. Bear in mind that anyone may be able to see your CV, including your current employer if you are employed but looking for another job. Most job sites will give you the option of posting anonymously, although potential employers may then be less likely to contact you. See the Best Top Websites For Your Career
- WOM: Word of mouth is great when job seeking. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to let people know you are looking for a job A lot of job seekers are either ashamed that they are unemployed or don’t want to tell anyone. Let it be known and get the word out there. Networking is one of the most important aspects of searching for a job, getting out there and meeting with people, attending events, parties and job fairs can only benefit you as a job seeker. Become a Superstar Networker: See These 8 Tips
- Need a job? Join a professional network and expand your network. Know the people who can help you to develop further in your career.
- Be persistent and consistent. Rejections are normal during a job search. As you apply for roles, the rejection letter may mount up and your budget may get tighter. Frankly, it’s easy to get discouraged. Nevertheless, this is exactly the time when you need to dust yourself off and put in more hard work than ever.
- Do some follow-up! If there is a job that you are interested in, make some phone calls once you have submitted your application. Contact the recruiters at that company; confirm that they have received your application. You can also find someone you know or a friend of a friend on LinkedIn who works at that company to help you make the right connection. Don’t let your CV and job application be overlooked.
- Never underestimate the power of first impressions and preparing for an interview. In addition, be armed with examples to showcase your past achievements and skills. With more companies using phone or video conferencing interviews to screen candidates, it’s imperative that you practice in front of your mirror or webcam or do a mock interview over the phone with a friend. See Be a Superstar Job Seeker
- Need a job, then follow these 11 steps to get prepared for an interview.
Be sure to only apply for jobs that you are qualified to do or for which you have the required skills. Most companies notice candidates with the skills and experience that they’re looking for. If you don’t have these, your CV may be ignored.
See Best Executive Search Firms Los Angeles – The Complete Guide
Infographic: Ace Any Job Interview by Catherine Adenle
See Smash the Interview and Get Hired
When seeking a job, you should aim to dedicate time every day to looking for a job. You must organize a plan of action otherwise you may feel defeated.
Networking works so don’t keep to yourself, meet other people from all works of life and network. Tap into your network of contacts to see who might be able to help you with job leads or a referral.
Founder, Catherine's Career Corner. The career site empowering and inspiring ambitious candidates of all ages and professions to thrive and work smarter on their careers. Gladly helping all career-minded people worldwide to explore their career, manage change and understand how new technologies are changing and enhancing the future of work.
This is a very useful article for me. I can confirm that the steps work. I read this two weeks ago and made changes to my job search. Catherine, I am delighted to let you know that I got offered a job this morning so I thought I should leave you a comment here. I will also DM you via your contact tab. Thank you very, very much. 🙂 Delighted Varsha from Delhi.
Thank you, Varsha for your feedback. We wish you all the best in your new job.
Thank you, Varsha, for your feedback. We wish you all the best in your new job.