Job search tactics are essential for the successful job hunter, however even the best candidates, no matter how qualified they are, occasionally need to change their plans.
Sitting back and working from your PC, connecting, researching and submitting may not work. If your job search has been meant prolific applications but few responses then something needs to be done.
What can you do differently in your job search?
- The perfect application:
- When was the last time you reviewed and updated your CV? Ensure that your employment history, your key employability skills and your achievements are as up-to-date as they can be. Thoroughly double check for errors in any documents that you might be sending out. Mistakes can cost you dearly.
- The right place:
- Where are you looking for jobs? Make sure that you check sector specific and relevant job sites, not just generic job boards. Tailor your job search query finely so that you only get notifications for jobs you are really interested in and ones that match your aspirations. Your job search might also benefit from a dedicated job search website to get immediate alerts.
[pullquote]You might also want to check which companies place job adverts on their websites, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. [/pullquote]
- The proactive approach:
- Who was the last person you spoke to about your most recent application? There’s nothing wrong in following up your application; and if it is local why not call by and see what the state of play is. Can any of your LinkedIn contacts help you by approaching the organisation you are interested in?
- The networking gurus:
- Which social networking sites (SNS) are you active on? Networking is still one of the most valuable job search tools and if you are not using LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+ actively in your job search then you are perhaps not working your network to the best opportunities. You need to let everyone know!
- The right brand:
- How often are you adding to your blog or contributing comments on other SNS? It’s important that you keep yourself in the firing line. Make sure that you are actively commenting or asking questions on SNS. Keep your blog updated professionally and at the same time make sure that your digital footprint shows you in the best possible light. You want employers to find out what you can do and what successes you have had.
- The rehearsal:
- Which interview questions have you practised lately? Reminding yourself of your special stories and the successes you have had and which competencies they relate to keep your motivation going; help you focus your applications and prepare you for answering questions at interview. Interview preparation is critical to a good job search.
- The support system:
- Who else can help you? There is a long list of professionals that can help you as well as agencies, job clubs and recruitment services, make sure that you access all areas of support to ensure that you get the best possible advice. Some may be an investment although a lot of guidance can be easily accessed free of charge.
- The temporary choice:
- What was the last job you had? Taking a temporary job works in lots of ways. If it is a role that is in the same field as you are searching, taking an interim or part-time position can lead to a full-time role. It ensures that your CV remains current and has fewer gaps. By taking temp jobs you also keep your income stream active and your motivation raised. Your job search will not be damaged by taking on different roles.
- The wanted ad:
- When did you last look at the classifieds? There’s no reason why you can’t advertise the fact that you are looking for a certain role and there are a number of places where classified ads are found so don’t discount local newspapers, sector specific journals or online website listings.
- The best tools:
- How do you know when a new job vacancy is posted? Make sure you are using online alerts, gadgets and widgets to your phone and desk top to ensure that you don’t miss an opening and that your job search is as up-to-date as possible.
Failing all this, send me an e-mail I might be able to come up with some other job search ideas.
