A Guide to Job Searching
Job searching is certainly not on anyone’s list of favorite things to do. It’s probably below spring-cleaning and doing taxes for most people.
However, if you follow the right approach and form a thorough plan for your search, you will end up with your dream job in no time! Here is a resourceful guide to job searching to help you on your way.
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1. Determine Your Goal
It is essential to understand what you are trying to achieve over and above finding a job. Is there a certain salary you are after or perhaps you are simply looking for a position with a higher rank than your current one. Maybe location change or commute time is your main priority while a better working culture is a big reason for many.
Clearly define your goals and write them down in order of importance. See which boxes need to be ticked and which ones are you willing to negotiate on.
2. Research
There is no such thing as too much research. Going into the process of job searching as prepared as possible is imperative. You need to see what jobs are available in the field you’re looking into and what salary expectations you can have. Research the companies you want to work for, see if there is a current demand in the field you want to work in and research the experience that is usually required for those kinds of jobs.
3. Prepare your papers
Updating and customising your resume and cover letters is a very important step during your job search. You might not be applying to only one type of job so you need to have a resume reflecting your skills and experience in different fields. Your cover letter should also reflect the reasons you are applying for a specific job and why you are best suited.
Some jobs also require your qualifications to be authenticated according to their standards. A teach in China program will require you to authenticate your TEFL certificate at the issuing authorities while your University degree should be authenticated for many other jobs. Having all your paperwork in order will make you a much more attractive candidate already.
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4. Get Your Online Presence Ready
Today’s job market isn’t as anaologue as it used to be so your online presence matters. LinkedIN is the biggest asset you can have when job searching so you should have your profile polished and ready to send out. Make connections with people you have worked with or want to work with while also sharing relevant information on your field and making yourself known to recruiters.
There are a few rules you want to follow with LinkedIN. Optomize your profile with keywords and add a professional looking photo to your profile. Customize your URL to make you stand out and try to get recomendations from former colleagues.
While you are at it, make sure your social media presence looks appropriate or is at least hidden from strangers. This is an easy place for employers to have a look at their future employees and see if they seem employable or not.
5. Line Up Your Resources
Jobs don’t just fall from the sky and you will need to do some leg work to secure as many interviews as you can. Get acquainted with various job search methods and sign up for forums to see where other people are getting leads from.
Many people choose to sign up to a recruitment agency and if you are a first time job hunter, this is a great option for you. They are well connected and can line you up perfectly with an employer that suits your needs. If you have a specific company in mind that you want to work for, keep an eye on their “Work for Us” or “Job Oppertunities” pages on their websites. Thye might just have the exact opening you have been looking for.
Networking is an essential part of job searching too. Speak to other people in the position you want and see how they landed their job or if they know of any openings. You can also sign up for online job posting boards where various jobs are listed on the internet. Cast your net wide when starting your search to stand the best chance of landing an interview.
6. Stay Organized
Searching for a job is not an easy task at all. It is key to stay organized during this time to know where you have applied and to stay on top of replies. Find a way that works for you, whether it be making spreadsheets or using a good old fashioned pen and paper.
Make a list of jobs you want to apply for and have applied for and keep your finger on the dail for replies and follow ups. Jot down dates that you applied, schedule time to follow up, and plan time to look for more opportunities.
This step is especially important if you are looking for multiple kinds of jobs as you will be sending out different resumes and cover letters and searching for jobs in various places. Organization also makes job searching much less daunting if you are able to compartmentalise the process.
7. Polish Up Your Professionalism
The job searching world is ruthless so making your best first impressions is everything. Often you will only get once chance to have an email conversation or phonecall with a potential employer so make it count. Understand the etiquette involved with emailing; everything from your greetings, to tone, punctuality, and grammar come into play. Also, put in effort to reply within 24 hours of receiving communication from an employer.
Phone etiquette is also a lost art so always put your best foot forward. Have a professional voicemail set up and regularly check if you have any messages. Answer the phone professionally if you do not recognise the number and try to return calls within 24 hours.
Job searching might seem like a daunting task but following these simple pieces of advice will give you a definite leg up in the game and make the princess much more enjoyable. Happy job hunting!
Sources:
https://www.careeraddict.com/job-search-guide
