Best job searching techniques
JOB SEEKERS who are not familiar with the best job searching techniques should read on. If you are a new graduate or you are searching for a new job, take a look at the following mistakes that many make, and take on the advice in order to improve your job seeking strategy.
1. Don’t limit your option: Many job seekers find one or two jobs they desperately want, and put all their eggs in one basket hoping they will land an interview. Wrong move. You need to apply several jobs in line with your skills, even if they are not necessarily perfect. This way, you can increase the likeliness of being successful and getting an interview. You know what they say: once you are in a job, it is much easier to find another.
2.Avoid being too selective: Many jobseekers are too selective when applying for jobs, especially at entry-level. Keeping the current economic climate in mind, it is advised to apply for a range of jobs in your area of expertise, but which are further afield than maybe what you would like. The wider scope you give yourself, the more opportunities you will come across. Be open-minded and apply for as many jobs as possible.
3.Never forget the thank-you note: It is important not to undermine the power and impact of a well-written thank you note. So many job seekers fail to send a thank you note after attending an interview, and this is a class A mistake. Whether you are invited for a second interview or you are rejected, it is advised to write a thank you note to demonstrate your professionalism and gratitude. This will do you more favours than not writing one, trust me.
4.Bad attitude: As the job search process can often be frustrating, job seekers often find it difficult to keep a positive outlook. When you are invited for an interview, it is imperative to demonstrate an enthusiastic and robust personality to the recruiter. Avoid negative body language and a bad attitude, as it will put the recruiter off you in seconds.
5.Lengthy CV: Remove unnecessary and out-dated work experience from your CV and make it as relevant to the job as possible, expanding sections that specifically cater to the job role you are applying for. The longer your CV is, the less likely it is to be read. You need to understand that recruiters spend an average of 3 seconds on CVs, and if yours does not jump out at them immediately, it will be overlooked.
6.Wrong contact details: You would be surprised at the sheer number of jobseekers who fail to provide any contact details on their CV. Maybe worse though, are the ones who provide their work email address and telephone number – essentially landing themselves in hot water with their current boss when he/she finds out! This is a sure way of jeopardizing and potentially losing your current job. The contact details individuals provide on their CV should be a personal email address and telephone number to avoid any unnecessary disasters.
7.Failing to proofread: Another commonly ignored but vital task is that of proofreading the CV prior to sending it out to recruiters. Typos and grammatical errors demonstrate an unprofessional and unorganized image. Be sure to create a CV and cover letter to the highest of standards, free of basic errors, and which is structured in an easy to read format.
8.Forgetting to include keywords: A crucial mistake but one that so many job seekers make over and over again, is that of forgetting to include vital keywords in their CV application. You must review the job advert, pull out the main keywords that they use which link to the job description, then use them in your CV. This will help recruiters to identify more quickly whether you are suitable for the role or not.
No-one said the job search process was easy. In fact, it is likely to be one of the most difficult and stressful experiences you will have as a professional/unemployed person. You need to, at the very least, kick off your job search with the right attitude and by following the best advice. Take on board the points above, and do yourself a favour in your job search! #KnowldegeExchange
