1. Have a plan
Don’t plunge into your job search until you have a clear understanding of what you want and the steps you will need to take to get there.
See Job Search Techniques Step 1
2. Be selective and set your goals
Know yourself and make sure you focus on roles that use your skills and have objectives that excite you. Also look for companies that have a culture that is compatible with your values. Finally, if the industry has some interest to you, your search will be easier as you will be engaged, excited and confident in your capabilities.
See Job Search Techniques Step 2
3. Use all the digital tools available to be present and seen
Social media is not going to go away, so make it work for you. This will usually be LinkedIn but you can also use lots of other sites like Twitter, Google, FB etc. The main thing is to make sure your profile is very reflective of the roles you are interested in (especially using the right key words). This will enable any recruiting managers to recognise your potential value to them and encourage them to make contact.
Depending on whether you are in a relevant role, i.e. IT, Web Design, Technology etc. you may want to consider developing a website which showcases your knowledge and experience.
See Job Search Techniques Step 5
4. Analyse and adapt each application
Each application should ideally be targeted to the specific role you are going for. Reflect the language on their website, the job description, and any adverts. It is good practice to have a master copy of your CV which you then adapt to each application along with a focused cover letter wherever appropriate.
5. Keep yourself and your skills up to date
Make sure you keep yourself up to date and demonstrate your commitment to continuously personal and professional development. Do this by joining groups and professional bodies, undertaking training, and keeping up to date with all the latest news in your field. This will not only keep your confidence levels high, but you will be connecting with and speaking to people who are possibly influential and might have great ideas. Above all, it shows enthusiasm and personal motivation.
6. Network regularly
Networking is one of the most effective job-searching tools you can use. You might learn about opportunities before they are widely advertised; hear about changes that might be planned within companies and industries; pick up information about industry and company plans that give you a lot of ideas which might lead you to identify opportunities and the likelihood of future openings.
Many of the most interesting job never get advertised, so by connecting with a lot of people you hear about these and can also get referred to important contacts. Remember it is not only who you know but also who they know.
7. Attend job fairs
Jobs fairs are held regularly across the country, sometimes in person and sometimes virtually. These will have representatives from companies who are actively recruiting, and you will be able to meet and talk to these employers.
There are also trade fairs and exhibitions who may not be actively recruiting, but are a great way of getting in front of people in companies you are interested in.
You should do your research in advance so you know which organisation will be attending. Once you have singled out the companies you are most interested in, do as much preparation as possible so you can talk knowledgeably and confidently with everyone. If you do this you will make a great impression, be remembered by the people you speak to and may even have an interview arranged there and then.
8. Have a list of target companies
Don’t forget to create a list of companies you are interested in and visit their websites regularly. You will not only get to know a lot about them (from the public perspective) but be able to recognise trends and new opportunities as soon as they arise. Many companies only advertise on their own websites, so recruitment is not quite as competitive as other recruitment sites.
Also, when visiting their sites, you might want to follow them on LinkedIn or on Twitter/FB etc. If you then comment favourably on some of the conversations, you demonstrate your proactivity and knowledge and never know what this could lead to.
9. Leverage your current relationships
I mentioned above the many of the best job never get advertised, because they go through word of mouth. This proves the saying ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. By identifying everyone you know, sharing your goals with them and being generally open to ideas, your current relationships will often refer you to opportunities. You should also be aware who might actively participate in the job search for you and become a mentor or sponsor.
It is only by developing these relationships and have conversations that you realise the breadth of other people’s wider network, interests and knowledge base. Remember the same holds true for you. A lot of people will only know one or two facets of you so you need to make sure they all understand who you are, what you can do and what you are looking for.
10. Consider head-hunters / recruiters
Don’t dismiss head-hunters. They are not only helpful for senior people but are also on the lookout for anyone in very specialist or unusual roles.
Head-hunters are usually commissioned to find very specific types of people and will typically spend more time researching, locating and speaking with you. The flip side of that is that they will only be interested in you if you too have done your homework and are well prepared and professional.
It can be difficult to find head-hunters as they may not advertise much, not wanting the same amount of traffic as regular recruiters. Because of this it is even more important to be visible on sites like LinkedIn and professional sites, so they can find you.
If head-hunters are not appropriate for your type of job, make sure you identify recruiters who work well in your field and join them as well as the more generic jobs sites.
11. Join professional organisations
By joining a professional organisation you will keep yourself up to date with current news and ideas, ensure your skillset doesn’t become dated and potentially find networking contacts within the industry.
You should always participate actively with groups, demonstrating your enthusiasm and knowledge because you never know when a hiring manager with a vacancy might be in the group.
12. Find the right contact names (not HR)
If you have done your homework, spoken to people, possibly learned about upcoming developments that you see might lead to job opportunities you may want to approach a company directly.
This may also be the case if there is a company you would love to work for, but they are not hiring at the moment.
The golden rule is to use your network to try to find the name of the relevant hiring manager. If you can’t get a name, at lease find out what the department is called and what the emailing conventions are in the organisation.
Sometimes by using LinkedIn or other research sites you can find information and a possible name to write to.
Unless you want to work for Human Resources, avoid them. There is a high risk your contact will go no further.
Also remember, if you get to speak to someone, they may well say they don’t have any vacancies at the moment, but if they have taken the time to speak with you, they are interested in you – so make the most of the conversation and find out as much as you can.
13. Get out and connect
Sometimes we forget the obvious. Don’t overlook trading estates or parks. Have a walk around speak to people and maybe even pop into companies you like.
This can sometimes help you identify some of the smaller organisations in your locality that you might otherwise overlook. Also dropping in in person makes much more of an impression than an email. Just remember to be prepared to talk about yourself as any conversation could potentially turn into an ‘informal’ interview.