Before you enter into the job search you need to clarify exactly what it is you are looking for and make a clear plan of action so you employ the right moves. In order to succeed there are some fundamental techniques you can use to set you on the right path.
The primary reason that most job seekers fail in their job search is that they are too focused on themselves. The job seekers who achieve success in their job search are focused on the needs of the organisation to which they are applying. Think about what they are looking for in a potential employee and what you have to offer. This activity is all about selling yourself.
What your talent is and how it can be used by an employer is known as employment value. Knowing this before you begin your search is crucial to finding rewarding employment. Do not expect employers to discover this value alone, know who you are and what you have to sell.
Resources - where to look
There are a number of methods you should investigate if you are to adopt a complete job search strategy. By combining these you should be covering every avenue. Review job leads, through newspapers, specialist journals and industry website job banks and recruitment agencies. Research and contact employers. Send out speculative CVs to specific companies you have interest in and target the particular individual who heads the department you would like to work for. Don’t forget to explain in your cover letter why you have pinpointed them.
Traditional job hunting techniques
For many job seekers the search involves applying to advertised job postings. This traditional job search method usually involves responding to newspaper/magazine wanted adverts, online job boards/websites, completing applications, registering with an agency and sending speculative CVs.
Although newspaper adverts represent only 3% of the market it is one of the options you should be employing to strengthen your search. If you use the classifieds as a primary source of job leads you will consequently encounter a lot of competition for these jobs. Most individuals find that utilizing a combination of strategies focused toward both the hidden job market and the advertised job market is the most effective.
Cold calling can also be of use in widening your job search. By going straight to the source you can call and ask for the name of the person who runs the department and request any information to be sent to you about the company – brochures, newsletters, media packs, this will give you a better idea of what the business’ key objectives are.
If you can speak to the individual in person, then you can ask to send in your CV and mention in your cover letter the conversation you had. If you manage to have a few minutes to talk you can also ask what the possibilities are for any vacancies in the future, and see how the land lies.
A good CV will enable you to be well positioned for any requests for your details. Avoid disorganised layouts, wordy sentences, and irrelevant information for the specific role or too much personal information. Always include examples of when you demonstrated a certain skill, and watch out for grammar and spelling errors. If you update the information and review the format of your CV regularly you can always hand over a polished version of your personal history.
Through the Internet you can access current information and reach deeper into your local area as well as take your search beyond your regular boundaries. As the Internet grows as a mainstay of business today communicating online is becoming the norm. Visit the large job banks first, and look for links through to your specific industry. Moving onto the smaller, more exclusive resources and services can allow you to find niche job boards and sites dedicated to your field.
Your recruitment consultant is also a primary source of support. By looking on the Internet you can identify several dedicated agencies who specialise in your particular job field. They can serve an important role by screening potential applicants to find the best match of client to candidate. An agency is focused on achieving the right results for you, and has greater resources to job openings. They also have long established links in your industry and can identify the right role for your needs.
In addition, recruitment consultants can provide advice on targeting your CV, how to prepare for an interview, tips on negotiating salaries and benefits and making the most of your soft skills amongst other areas of career development. Once you have registered with an agency you are advised to call your consultant weekly to keep your name familiar and at the forefront of their mind for any opportunities.
The non-traditional job search - expand your network
The key to undertaking a successful non-traditional job search is to conduct an active job search. You can do this by tapping into ‘the hidden job market’. If you simply conduct a traditional job search you are missing as many as 75% of all possible jobs. The traditional job search taps into only a small portion of the actual job market.
A recent survey discovered that three out of every five job postings are not listed in newspapers, on job boards or in electronic job markets. Over 70% of job seekers reported locating jobs through the hidden job market including personal contacts, networking and other methods. Attend local meetings, become active in professional organisations and community groups, speak with associates and acquaintances and ask people who and what they know. Sign up on appropriate mailing lists, newsgroups, and chat forums.
Create a network of career contacts who can provide support, information and job leads. When networking remember, instead of talking about yourself, ask questions that identify the needs of the people with whom you are talking. By understanding their agenda you are more likely to come up with the right responses to their questions. It is commonly accepted that great conversationalists do the least amount of talking but ask the best questions.
It is crucial that you keep records when you follow-up on any developments in your job search. This way you can maintain effective links with the leads you have engaged and be ready for the next move. Note all dates and details of phone calls, interviews, thank-you notes and referrals. By failing to maintain this information you can lose valuable contacts as well as credibility with prospective employers. These records will remind you when and how to develop and pursue a lead.
Remember to secure a position your ability to do the job is only one part of the role. Managers are interested in your communication skills and work ethics such as initiative, ability to grow within your job and the company, your willingness to assume authority when required, and your ability to work in a team and to lead others.
And finally, get organised and get committed. The biggest mistake most people make is finding excuses for not being active in their job search. Develop a daily plan and stick to it. When you are offered a position and you would like to accept send a note/email to all the people who helped you relaying the good news. This can ensure the continued growth of your career. By occasionally contacting these people you will remain active and open to opportunities.