Jobs Search

There comes a point in every ones life when you need to find a job, it could be your first one, a change in your career or it could be due to redundancy; all are very different but you can apply this very simple process to help you in your search.

1. Job Boards:
There are hundreds of Job Boards to choose from based on industry sectors or job descriptions. Once you have decided which Job Bank you would like to use, you then need to begin your search. This needs to be been broken down into step-by-step stages:
Firstly, read the Jobs Board to see it works to make sure you are clear and can understand how the services work and what's on offer. Next click on the Search part of the Job Board, which will allow you to enter your criteria. At this stage it is advisable to keep the search as broad as possible as this will give you some guide as to the depth of the vacancies available, its better to have a broad selection.
Depending on the results, this search can then be narrowed by for example; Industry, Geography and Salary. When using Keywords it's very important when entering the search criteria some Search Engines use Boolean search logic this involves using commands such as 'AND', 'NOT', 'OR' between keywords.

2. Recruiters:
Many job seekers put their faith in recruiters because of their extensive knowledge of the employment market. To help you gain a better understanding of the job market here are some of the reasons people will contact recruiters:
Recruiter sites- these belong to the recruiter and are used to attract both Clients (companies who wish to employ you) and Candidates (you - the job seeker). They often contain details of current assignments for which you may be able to apply online. A recruiter will list the contact information for its offices and provide you with information about the type of candidate they wish to attract. Negotiation- recruiters are trained and skilled in the art of negotiation. A good recruiter frequently deals in face to face meetings and should be able to arrive mutually on a decision which blends the needs of both parties.


3. Networking:

This approach is regarded as being the most challenging for many people due to the myth that it is taking advantage of friends, colleagues and family. This is far from the truth, speaking to anyone in this context, as long as you handle each approach in the right manner.

This informal approach provides you with the opportunity to:
Find job openings that you would not otherwise see - The key part of networking is the possibility of getting referrals. What's a referral? A referral is an introduction to a new networking contact. These introductions increase the size of your network base and increase your chances of success. You must practice your interview skills. If you get the opportunity to talk to someone who is more experienced it may be appropriate for you to ask for his or her advice on your career. Sometimes people enjoy "mentoring" someone less experienced. "Tell People about Your Skills" - the more people know of your skills and qualifications the more chance you have of finding a possible opportunities.

4. Direct Approach:

A direct approach to a company or organisation is an effective way to open up a new avenue in your search. Direct contact should form part of your overall strategy. There should be some logic about your targets that is easily understood. The message should be both coherent and cogent. The receiver of your approach must be in no doubt as to why you are writing to them. How should you approach them? Your approach must have both impact and reason.

Here are the 4 key points you should concentrate on in your approach:
Targets- You can select your targets in a variety of ways. In your campaign you may be interested primarily in a particular sector or industry, and/or a specific geographic area. You can then write to each company individually. Aims -What are your aims? In the short term you want to secure an appointment with a "decision maker" some body that has the responsibility to recruit. In the longer term, your aim may be a full-time job or a consultancy assignment, or perhaps part-time work. But the first step is to try and get that appointment. Be persistent. Just because a company cannot use your skills at the moment does not mean they will not need them in the future. Situations and needs change very quickly. Always keep in touch with companies that have previously turned you (or your resume) down. Encourage communication. Nurture it. Once you have written to a company and they reply you have a line of communication. Never give. Put the ball back in their court. Even if you have been unsuccessful, you can always respond to a negative letter with a positive reply. This is particularly important after the interview.

5. Advertised Vacancies
Before applying for a vacancy it is important to read the job description in order to ensure you feel confident that you do the role. A few signs to look out for that can help you to decide this.
Look out for the contact details; these should be fairly complete including company or recruiter name, a contact method such as email, phone or postal address. It is also important to look out for vague job descriptions and job locations. Systematically look at advertisements and send out tailored letters with your CV to those that are appropriate. Pick out the specific requirements in the advertisement and briefly match each requirement to something you have done - quantified if possible. Bear in mind that the person who will actually be offered the job may not possess all the qualifications specified Requirements tend to be overstated, so if you are confident you could handle the job and can meet at least 75% of the criteria, go ahead and apply. Once you have found a suitable position that you would like to apply for you will need to reply in accordance with the adverts instructions. Make sure that you keep a record of all your job applications that you have applied for on the internet so that you can follow them up, just as you would if you applied to a traditional vacancy.

6. Career Management:
Career Management involves you working on a one to one basis with a professional consultant, undertaking various assessments and exercises. The aim of this very detailed process is for you to examine the different career options available to you and to then put together the marketing tools (including your resume) that you will require when undertaking your job search.

Career Management can help you to understand how to work the job market, networking and accessing unadvertised positions. It can be vital if you are trying to change career or sector

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