Job hunting. Where individuals of all ages are pitted against one another in order to snatch up the latest job opportunity. Fortunately, it’s not as frightening as it appears to be. All you need is a good strategy, a clear mind, and a strong sense of determination – just like real hunting! Let’s take a look at some of the tactics you can employ whilst job searching.
Map Out Your Plan
Treat job-searching like a project. You wouldn’t go jumping headlong into a project without proper planning, would you? The best way to do this is by creating a timeline from the start of your job-searching plan until the end. It’s a good way to keep track of what you have done, how much you have done, and what you might have missed. For example, you could start off by dedicating a few days specifically for working on your résumé and cover letter, by working on the finer points and polishing it up. Whilst working on those, you can research your options in finding the right jobs to apply to. Then, once you have decided which jobs you are interested in, you should commit to applying for those jobs within a fixed amount of time per day, because it can get quite overwhelming if you’re applying for jobs non-stop.
Establish Yourself Online
Finding job opportunities has never been easier with the existence of the internet. There are many job posting sites that allow you to create your profile; complete with your professional details, a photograph of yourself (no selfies!) and a well-crafted résumé. Applying for jobs on this platform is as simple as the click of a button. Signing up for these websites allow them to constantly update you through your email about the latest job opportunities suited to your interests. More often than not, job vacancies can be found within the depths of social media. That’s right, you can still browse your favourite social networking site while simultaneously searching for job opportunities. Use specific keywords in searching for jobs on social media for more accurate results. LinkedIn is the more commonly used social networking site for job-related services, while the more unorthodox ones would be Facebook and Twitter.
Meet Employers Face-To-Face
Keep an eye out for any career fairs and make an effort to attend as many as you can. If you’re still in college, be on the lookout for career visits or career talks organised by your career centre. In addition to handing out your résumé to company representatives, you will also have great hands-on experience in meeting with employers from different organisations. Plus, it helps in narrowing down your options into specific fields. Remember to bring copies of your résumé and cover letter along with you – it shows determination! Before attending job fairs or career visits, remember to do your research on the companies that would be present on those days. Narrow down your options to companies you are interested in, and find out what kind of organisation they are, whether they are hiring, and if you match the criteria for their job openings.
Keep In Touch With Your Connections
Don’t forget to network! This includes previous lecturers, coursemates, colleagues, and even family members. Keep up a good rapport with them, as this will make them more likely to share opportunities with you or even refer you to jobs you are currently searching for. It’s important for you to continuously expand your network circle, so you can collect as much information you need about jobs you intend to apply for. LinkedIn is a great way to network. Establishing yourself on this website should be one of the first steps you should take when you start job-searching. Not only will you be able to make and maintain connections, employers will also be able to see how well-connected you are with others. Your connections can also endorse the skills you listed on your profile – which gives you more credibility.
