Job searching can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to know where to start – but taking proactive steps makes all the difference. So, how can you break your search into actionable steps that move you forward?
Refine your application materials
A good place to start is being prepared. If you find a job you’d like to apply for, there’s nothing worse than being unprepared. Update your CV, write a cover letter template, and check your LinkedIn profile is refreshed with relevant and recent skills, experiences and achievements. If you spend a little time on these things, tackling them over a day or a week – you’ll be ready to make minor adjustments to your CV and cover letter for specific roles.
Job boards
Quite often, job boards are the best place to start your search. They are frequently updated and may be the only way that some firms advertise their vacancies. You’ll get a good overview of roles in your search radius and you can compare jobs, salaries and descriptions. Setting up alerts to come to your personal email is a great way to streamline or personalise your search. Spend time setting your requirements up, get searching and then let the jobs roll into your inbox!
Careers pages
Once you’ve scoured the job boards, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for. Now it’s a good idea to seek out different firms careers or vacancy pages. Some firms will solely recruit this way, so you’ll ensure that you don’t miss any opportunities. You can identify the types of firms you’re interested in, and focus your efforts on making considered applications. Also, you may be able to contact hiring managers or HR teams for an initial chat about the role. This doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get an interview but it’s a good use of your time to ensure that your application is as strong as possible.
Utilise LinkedIn
Some firms will use LinkedIn to advertise their vacancies, making it a great place to look. Hiring managers and HR might directly advertise the roles, giving you the opportunity to connect with them directly in relation to the role. Additionally, you might want to advertise to recruiters that you’re open to opportunities (without the awkwardness of your current employer finding out!) through LinkedIn’s open to work option on your profile. If you’re currently out of work, it’s a great idea to post out to your network. Your connections may offer suggestions or connect you to opportunities through LinkedIn.
Build on your connections
There is power in networking. Sometimes, opportunities aren’t initially widely known. This is where networking comes in. Meeting with friends or acquaintances in your field and chatting about opportunities that they might know of can be as affective as a job search. They might be aware of upcoming roles that aren’t advertised yet or be able to connect you with a great recruiter. Plus, it takes the pressure off your job search (which can be boring!) who doesn’t enjoy a good coffee and chat that might lead to a potential new opportunity!?
Speak to a recruiter
As mentioned, your peers may point you in the direction of a recruiter. Speaking to a specialist recruiter can help to cut through the confusion in your job search. They should be knowledgeable on the market, have good connections with firms that are recruiting and will manage a lot of the associated admin – like CV building and interview arrangements – for you. They may have access to opportunities that are lesser known, too. Make sure that you maintain an open dialogue with them – especially if you’re working with a couple of agencies. Keep track of who is making approaches or applications for you – it can get a bit confusing otherwise!
Track your progress and set goals
It’s easy to lose sight of the progress you make when job searching. Each setback or application that goes unacknowledged can make it feel like you’re not getting anywhere. To combat this, you may want to keep a spreadsheet or note of where you’ve made applications. It might be helpful to set yourself goals too – such as 3 applications per day/week – to ensure that you’re moving things forward.
