In an increasingly ‘connected’ world, finding the right job is about ensuring that you are exploring all available avenues. At the end of 2011, 22% of UK employees said they were going to look for a new role in 2012 (Source: Reed 2012 Salary and Market Insight report) and, with thousands of school leavers and graduates entering the jobs market, it’s fair to say that it’s competitive out there. However, a focused and proactive approach will pay dividends and ensure you land the job you want.
1. Word of mouth
Talk to your family members and friends about the type of work you’re looking for, as well as your skills and experience. They may know of a suitable position or have you in mind if anything comes up in the future. They may also be able to put in a good word for you with their own employer.
Networking events, conferences and exhibitions can also prove to be a rich source of new contacts. Before attending any event, you should think about what you want to get from it. You should also take a few copies of your CV along with you.
2. Search from the sofa
Job websites have made it easy to start your search from the comfort of your own home, enabling you to look for opportunities within a wide range of industries across the UK. The data available on these sites can also help you to compare and contrast roles in terms of job specification and benefits packages.
3. Make a good impression with agencies
It’s important that you approach a recruitment agency in the same way you would a prospective employer. They are going to be responsible for ‘selling’ you to their clients, so it’s vital that you make the right impression. Building a good rapport with your consultant can really help you to stand out from the crowd.
4. Take a direct approach
There may be instances when employers do not advertise certain jobs, so it’s worthwhile contacting organisations that you would love to work for directly to ask if they have any vacancies.
Make sure you approach them in the right way. Ensure you have an up-to-date CV and covering letter at the ready and, if emailing your application, try to find out the name of the individual responsible for hiring in the department you wish to work in and send it directly to them. Try our CV builder to help you construct a professional, fully-formatted CV.
5. Get connected
Social networking is becoming a more and more powerful tool when it comes to finding a new job. It’s a useful way to learn more about the people, roles and structure at companies that interest you.
Some employers now use social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to recruit new staff. To take advantage, you should make sure you create a profile that will impress potential employers. You may wish to follow the brands you’d like to work for, keeping an eye out for new information on upcoming vacancies.
Across all of these social networks, however, it’s vital that your own accounts are professional and clean. Any offensive or inappropriate activity on social networking sites can quickly be tracked down by prospective employers, hindering your chances of securing a new role.
6. Read all about it
Local newspapers have long been a reliable method for uncovering vacancies in the area. Newspapers also keep you up-to-date on which companies are moving into the area and which are expanding. You can use this information to apply to those companies directly before they advertise to see if there are any vacancies.
7. Stay focused
Ensure you stay on top of all the avenues you are exploring by keeping a log of applications you have submitted and contacts you have made. Remember, job hunting is not a passive pursuit.
Article by reed.co.uk, the UK’s largest commercial job board.
