Kick Start Your Job Search
Searching for a new role can be a long and daunting task. Following the advice below will ensure the process becomes easier and it will help you find the right role for the next step on your career ladder.
Planning and organisation
Before you start searching for a new role it is extremely important that you know what you are looking for.
- What type of position do you want?
- What sort of company do you want to work for?
- What are your career aspirations and long-term goals?
- What is important to you?
Once you have decided that you can focus your job search to ensure that your next career move is taking you on the right path.
Organisation is also key, make sure that you are tracking who you have applied to, so you do not send out duplicate applications which can be detrimental to your application.
Research, advice and guidance
If you are looking to change industry sector or progress to a different role then it is a good idea to gain advice and insight into what this will be like. Recruiters will be able to give you up to date advice on the market and different job roles and sectors. You should also speak to friends, family, colleagues and network connections to find out their views and experience.
It is also important that you are realistic about what your next career move looks like so research all aspects and then be honest with yourself about whether you have the skills and experience to work in that role.
Update your CV
Your CV is one of the first things a company will see from you, so it is vitally important that it is up to date and accurate. It isn’t just your last position that will need updating but also any new achievements and skills that you have gained since your last career move. CV feedback is always helpful so again ask friends or colleagues to read through and let you know what they would change and if they feel it sells you as an individual.
The importance of social media
Employers will often check all social media accounts, so you need to ensure that they are all up to date and accurate. LinkedIn is the most obvious and important profile to consider and needs to match your CV in terms of career details and skills. However other accounts such as Twitter and Facebook can give more personal insight into you so ensure that you are happy with the information you have shared and delete anything that you’re not.
Cover letters
Cover letters should be bespoke for every role you apply for and offer an excellent opportunity to pass on additional information about yourself and your suitability for a role. It can be useful to create a template which you adjust as required to save yourself the time of writing one from scratch with every application.
Market yourself and network
To be effective at securing a new role you need to network with as many people as possible and allow yourself to be found and contacted. Anything in person is useful but you will also see a great benefit online. Recruiters and companies utilise LinkedIn and online job boards to find suitable candidates for roles, so it is useful to have your CV available on them. You should also make the most of your contacts in the industry to let them know you are available for new opportunities, so they can recommend you and share information.
Make yourself available and be proactive
It is important to make yourself available and easily contactable during job searching. A mobile phone number with a voicemail facility is imperative along with a personal email account that you regularly check and use.
You also cannot rely on sending off a job application and hearing something back. Work with your recruiter to target suitable companies, follow up for feedback and register your interest.
Interviews
Interviews are your opportunity to make a good first impression, so preparation is everything. Know where you are going so that you are on time and dress appropriately in a professional manner. Consider your answers to interview questions in advance so you are armed with good responses. Make sure you have researched the company, so you can use the interview to find out more about them and portray exactly why you want the job. Finally make sure you know your CV, so you can easily answer any questions around your experience, skills and achievements. This is your opportunity to show why you are right for this role and to check it is the correct position for you.
Cover all bases
The most important part of job searching is making sure that you dedicate enough time to it. You need to ensure that you are organised and prepared in all aspects of searching for a role. Take on board feedback and utilise this in future applications and remain on top of the roles and companies you have applied to. Engaging with a specialist recruitment agency will really support you with this.