How to find a job

How to find a job

It’s that time again.  You are looking for a new job or perhaps you are looking to secure your first job. Either way, exciting times lie ahead!

You could have reached this juncture for a variety of different reasons. Maybe it’s due to a relocation or a life-style change, perhaps you have been made redundant, or possibly you are returning to work after a sabbatical or time away travelling or maybe you are a new mother, looking to return to work.

It is possible that you lack motivation in your current job, or that you need a new challenge. Did you miss a promotion or perhaps you just want more money?

Regardless of why you are looking for work, you will probably know that the job market is competitive and can be a scary, daunting place, so it is important that you plan to make sure you boost your chances of landing a job that corresponds with where you are at that moment in your life.

Here we outline the key areas that you need to focus on in your job to make sure you land your key job.

Research when looking for work

  • Consider what industry and which positions interest you.
  • Ask friends and family about your possible career options.
  • Understand your strengths and which type of jobs your personality type is best suited to - consider doing a behavioural test to help you.
  • Evaluate your motivation and why you are at this stage - consider lifestyle and the balance you require.
  • Earning potential - what do you want and what is realistic?
  • Research companies and jobs on the internet.
  • If you know the industry that appeals to you, consider attending exhibitions to learn from people

Target Suitable Jobs

  • Are you prepared to make the commitment that is required?
  • Challenge the suitability of your skillset for the jobs you apply for.
  • Is your personality well suited to this industry?
  • What training and qualifications are required?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Be honest - how do you think you might fare against other candidates? Are you looking at the right level?

If you have challenged yourself and are secure in what you have found out, then you are ready to start applying for jobs.

Where to find and apply for jobs

Sometimes, it's not about what you know, but who you know. With thousands of job vacancies filled each year through word of mouth alone, it the best place to start! 

Family and Friends

We’ve all got them, and these guys love you, or at least hopefully they do! There is every chance they know someone who is looking for staff or even better, they may have suitable positions in their own company. However, it could be a bit awkward working with an ex-partner, or even your mother in law for that matter, so be wise in your decision making.

Did you know that many companies offer a payment to employees for referrals, so even people you don’t know that well might be happy to offer some help; money talks, as they say! Considering this incentive, if you know someone who works for a company you're interested in, get them to recommend you. If you know someone who works in an industry you're interested in, ask them to make an introduction.

How to make new work connections

Social media helps you keep connected to people you have worked with in the past, both managers, peers and friends and it is also a great place to make new connections.

If you don't have many connections in your chosen industry, there are loads of ways to make new contacts and LinkedIn is a great place to start.

Here you can research companies and people, feel free to message people and ask them to link in. You’ll be amazed how many people are prepared to help.

On LinkedIn, you can learn about specific industries and gain valuable information about companies - there is so much content available.

Once you feel you have enough information, start researching and applying for jobs!

Companies

Most companies are constantly looking for talent; even if they’re not actively recruiting, they are always looking to increase their talent pool and to be ready to recruit the best person available. They have highly skilled talent managers who are always on the lookout for skilled people. Line managers are encouraged to work closely with talent managers, so make approaches directly. If done in the right way, you will begin building relationships with companies directly that you can benefit from, if not immediately, then in the future.

Job sites and Aggregators

Consider which job site suits the type of position that you are interested in, or perhaps a job board aggregator could be a better place to start your job search?

Typically, job boards are well-established brands and are often the first port of call, however aggregators have had a significant impact on the recruitment industry over the past 10 years.

Aggregators publish every job available across their region and to make themselves more appealing, have created innovative services that include companies reviews, CV rating services and insightful salary information.

Set up job alerts now and let the jobs come to you!

Agencies

They’ve got the contacts, the relationship and the jobs you want - take your time though to do your research and ensure you approach the right one. 


About the Author: Joel Aldridge

Having perused an immense volume of job adverts, Joel is on an unwavering mission to guide companies towards enhancing the calibre and quantity of their applicant pool. He fervently promotes the inclusion of salary details in job adverts and emphasises weaving in a company's ethos and optimistic job perspectives to attract top talent.



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