Job Search Tips

Looking for a job can be hard work – it feels impossible to get motivated and get out there searching when you’ve just lost your job. Your confidence can be knocked and you can end up expecting less because you feel like you have less to offer. This is the worst time to give up on yourself! Finding a new job proves to work most effectively with an intensive and proactive attitude.

Make Yourself Visible On the Market

As most jobs are given to those who have a link to an employer already the best advice out there is to make some of those links. As advertising for an employee is an expensive process many companies avoid it unless it is completely necessary – instead word of mouth or internal hiring occurs. Making sure you are aware of these hidden vacancies can be as simple as being talkative with staff when out and about job hunting. Cold-calling can also help, being friendly and inquisitive can help you gain information you would not have a chance of obtaining otherwise. This method may be a little unorthodox but it can be very effective.

Make yourself Visible to the Right Market

When looking for a job you should attempt to target your search on companies you would be comfortable working for, to do this you should be asking yourself some questions. For example, do you want to work for a big company or a smaller one? Do you want to stay in the same industry as you previously worked or branch out and learn new skills? Once you know this you can start filtering out those businesses which do mot suit your future plans or are unlikely to want you.

Another way to make yourself visible is to create a CV on any of the major CV websites, such as Monster. Employers will be coming to you rather than you hunting for them. Headhunting once was the exclusive privilege of the top level management – now it applies to all levels. This method is cheaper for companies and less effort for both parties; it ensures only those who meet the required grade have their CV looked at as opposed to anyone who can respond to a job ad.

The online CV method is also a good way to make sure you keep your CV up to date– it is also a good way to keep a copy of it for easy access whenever you need it.

Finally, the most important thing when job-hunting is to try and keep your spirits up! You can find yourself questioning your skills but as soon as you throw yourself into full-scale job hunting you’ll find your confidence returning.