How to Hunt for the Best Job
If you are thinking of changing your job or you’re at the start of your career and looking for your first job the advice is the same, go about your job-hunt in a systematic way.
If you are currently out of a job treat your job hunt as a job itself – make a plan, set a timeframe and schedule the hours you put into your search.
Prepare
Update your CV. Look for model CVs online, revise and update your CV. Make it interesting and clear. Include plenty of information about your achievements, don’t just copy and paste the duties section of your Job Description. Prepare a draft Cover Letter or Cover Email. Keep it short and clear. Keep in mind the purpose of your CV and Cover Letter is only to get you an interview.
Start applying
The recruitment consultant will start to talk to you about possibilities, jobs which are open and others which are coming up soon.
Do more research, find out as much as you can about the mission and vision of the companies you are interested in working for. Not just their products and services, you should know about their competitors, their position in the market and their plans. Send your CV to companies advertising – but only if you are qualified for the job, you really want to work for that company and you are serious about the job.
Research
Get online and look at all the companies in the sector you want to work in. Read their websites thoroughly and list the companies you think you really want to work for. Study jobs posted online on jobs boards and job forums. This will give you an idea of what jobs are available and what salaries they offer. Talk to a recruitment consultant at a reputable agency. Explain why you are interested in changing you job, what you are looking for and what you expect. Be prepared for a recruiter to give you good advice – particularly if you have moved job often. A professional recruiter may well advise you to stay where you are if you have not been in your current position for two years!
Keep a positive attitude
There is a strain to getting negative results from interviews or not hearing back from companies you have applied to. Remember thousands of people are in your situation and that keeping positive is important. Read, research, take exercise and carry out your job-hunt plan. Be persistent and you will succeed.
Network and meet as many people as you can who might be useful in your job-hunt
Although online resources are important there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings. Take every opportunity to network and let people know that you are on the market. If you are out of work that should be clear in your Linked In profile, edit it to show ‘seeking opportunities in….’ or ‘available for…’ making it clear what kind of job you are looking for.
