Starting a job search or refreshing your approach is a significant step in your career journey. Whether you are new to the job market or looking for a fresh opportunity, these handy tips will help you navigate the job search process effectively and increase your chances of success.
Tip 1: Explore Transferable Skills
- Think creatively! What job are you doing now, what do you want to do? Are your skills transferable to other roles? Transferable skills can open doors to different industries and career paths. Look at job descriptions and the skills needed, what can you offer. A well-crafted covering letter is vital when changing job roles, be sure to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications when applying for roles so it is clear what you have to offer.
Tip 2: Use your Networking
- Networking with friends, family, and ex colleagues for workplace recommendations, industry insights and job opportunities. Word of mouth is a fantastic way to hear first hand what companies are like to work for and could give you a foot in the door and fast track your application process.
- Reach out to friends or family that work for companies that you would like to work for or get in touch with ex colleagues to see what they are doing now; likelihood is that you may have similar backgrounds and the company they work for may suit your background too.
- Job/Careers fairs and company open days are a great way for companies to showcase themselves giving you an insight and connecting with employees, some companies go as far as conducting mini interviews on the day so ensure you look the part and have your CV’s ready to distribute on the day.
Tip 3: Research Target Companies
- Proactively target and research companies you would like to work for. Explore their online presence through a simple google search for job openings, careers pages, open days, and recruitment schedules.
- Some companies recruit seasonally so make sure you know when they are recruiting so you don’t miss out, if you miss the timing be sure to make a note so you are ahead of the game next time.
Tip 4: Use Recruitment Agencies
- Recruitment agencies are a valuable resource for job seekers. Approach recruitment agencies in your local area, they should be actively working with companies with open vacancies, have a look at the agency’s websites, are they recruiting for the type of roles you are looking for? If so, contact them and see what they have to offer. If they are recruiting in the same industry but nothing appeals to you, contact them anyway, they may have some ideas you haven’t thought of or have something in the pipeline.
Tip 5: Harness Job Search Sites
- Use job search sites effectively by utilising keywords to search for the type of role you are looking for and set up alerts so that you don’t miss anything.
- Search for job skills to browse available jobs online. This will give you an idea of the types of roles around and the salaries on offer to see if your qualifications and expectations are in line with the current job market.
Tip 6: Consider Volunteering
If you are looking to completely change industries or have been out of work volunteering is a wonderful way to gain additional skills and explore different industries. This could help a career change whilst contributing to a positive cause. It could also help you build a network and diversify your skill set.
Tip 7: Explore Temporary Work
If you want flexibility, are unsure what you want to do, would like to try different roles or need a stop gap for the time being, temporary work is a great way to try a role before you commit long term. Contracts can vary in length from a weeklong assignment up to a year, as do the roles and the industries. Some companies will advertise temporary roles directly or speak to a recruitment consultancy who, if they have a temporary division will be able to discuss suitable opportunities with you.
Tip 8: Optimise Social Media
- Social media has become a more attractive way to stay in touch and job search, not only are they great ways to stay connected it is also an opportunity to research companies and find open roles that may be of interest.
- Ensure you have refreshed your social media presence, make sure it is up to date, a polished online professional presence is key, any derogatory content may hinder your job prospects if a potential employer does look you up.
- Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram can all be used for job searching and networking.
By Utilising our top tips to enhance your job search efforts it should increase your chances of landing that perfect role. Wishing you every success with your next search.
