So how do you conduct an 'effective' job search that produces the job of your dreams?
The word 'effective' has become a cliché and has kind of lost its impact. According to the online Encarta dictionary, it means "producing a result, especially the expected or intended result" and "to produce a favorable result". If you want your job search to be 'effective', then you may want to know what your expectations and intended result are.
Tip 1 - Work out exactly what you are looking for in a job.
Make a list of all the things that you are interested in - location, dollar value, opportunity for advancement, skills development, recognition, etc. Everything you value in a job should be on that list.
Tip 2 - Look for jobs that fit your list.
There is no point in applying for jobs that don't fit what you are looking for as you are just wasting your time and the potential employer's time. To find the jobs that are on your list, you can sign up with some of the job search engines. Seek.com and CareerOne.com are just two of many job search sites. Most major recruiters also have their job search databases, so it’s worthwhile visiting them and conducting a specific search. Government career sites and larger companies advertise positions vacant online. Go to the website and look for employment or job vacancies links. Use keywords in your search to filter out unsuitable jobs. You can also use some of the features on these job search engines, like email alerts, that keep you informed of particular groups or categories of jobs. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
Remember to make the most of your social networks. Often it is not what we know but whom we know that makes all the difference. Social networks can be very fruitful in finding work as you let others know what you are looking for.
Tip 4 - If you feel as though you have a 75% or above compatibility with the job, apply for it. You always want to be stretched just a little to maintain interest in a job, so don't be put off if you don't match the criteria perfectly. Historically, employers choose an employee based on how they see them fitting in with the company values and work team ahead of whether they currently possess all of the skills or qualifications. You can teach a person new skills, but you can't change their personality or attitude.
Tip 5 - When applying, make the most of every communication opportunity to demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for. In the covering letter, using bullets, notate your quality selling points that make you competitive for the position. Use their keywords in your description of these points. The employer, reading your covering letter, will be mentally ticking off that you have what they are looking for and this is before they even get to your resume.
Tip 6 - Follow up your application with a phone call where possible. Ask to speak to the person directly and say, "I'm just checking to make sure you received my application as I am very keen to be considered for the position. While I'm on the phone, I was wondering if you could describe what a day in the job looks like?" Make the most of the opportunity to be personable without being painful. You want to connect a positive image of your personality to the two dimensional resume you have sent in. It is harder to ignore a real live person.
Tip 7 - Be prepared for interview. Once you have gotten to the interview stage, be prepared. Research the employer, after all they are being interviewed just as much as you are, as you will be giving them a commitment of your time and creativity which is very valuable. Have a list of questions that you would like to ask to make sure that you fully understand the job role. Without going overboard, get as much information from them as possible about the position so that you can make a balanced decision. As you listen to the answers to your questions, mentally check the job against your list of what you value.
Tip 8 - Once you have an offer on the table, go back to your list and make sure that you are making a decision in keeping with your values. It is easy to be swayed by personalities, by fantasies of how fabulous you are going to feel in the new office, but the harsh reality is that lovely view in time will fade into the background of a job that you will either love, endure or hate!
If you are having trouble getting started in your job search, there are agencies that can support you. In Australia, we have the Job Network where you can register for assistance and work with a Case Manager who will assist you to find a job. There is also funding available for people while they are job searching. Make the most of the opportunity to dedicate yourself to finding the right fit for you. Failing these options, there are also employment agencies that can place you in temporary employment so you can "try before you buy" into a permanent employment relationship.
At the end of the day, this is your life and it is too short to be involved in a job that you don't enjoy. Spend the time, do the research, put your best foot forward and reap the rewards of a job you love.
Tip 1 - Work out exactly what you are looking for in a job.
Make a list of all the things that you are interested in - location, dollar value, opportunity for advancement, skills development, recognition, etc. Everything you value in a job should be on that list.
Tip 2 - Look for jobs that fit your list.
There is no point in applying for jobs that don't fit what you are looking for as you are just wasting your time and the potential employer's time. To find the jobs that are on your list, you can sign up with some of the job search engines. Seek.com and CareerOne.com are just two of many job search sites. Most major recruiters also have their job search databases, so it’s worthwhile visiting them and conducting a specific search. Government career sites and larger companies advertise positions vacant online. Go to the website and look for employment or job vacancies links. Use keywords in your search to filter out unsuitable jobs. You can also use some of the features on these job search engines, like email alerts, that keep you informed of particular groups or categories of jobs. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
Remember to make the most of your social networks. Often it is not what we know but whom we know that makes all the difference. Social networks can be very fruitful in finding work as you let others know what you are looking for.
Tip 4 - If you feel as though you have a 75% or above compatibility with the job, apply for it. You always want to be stretched just a little to maintain interest in a job, so don't be put off if you don't match the criteria perfectly. Historically, employers choose an employee based on how they see them fitting in with the company values and work team ahead of whether they currently possess all of the skills or qualifications. You can teach a person new skills, but you can't change their personality or attitude.
Tip 5 - When applying, make the most of every communication opportunity to demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for. In the covering letter, using bullets, notate your quality selling points that make you competitive for the position. Use their keywords in your description of these points. The employer, reading your covering letter, will be mentally ticking off that you have what they are looking for and this is before they even get to your resume.
Tip 6 - Follow up your application with a phone call where possible. Ask to speak to the person directly and say, "I'm just checking to make sure you received my application as I am very keen to be considered for the position. While I'm on the phone, I was wondering if you could describe what a day in the job looks like?" Make the most of the opportunity to be personable without being painful. You want to connect a positive image of your personality to the two dimensional resume you have sent in. It is harder to ignore a real live person.
Tip 7 - Be prepared for interview. Once you have gotten to the interview stage, be prepared. Research the employer, after all they are being interviewed just as much as you are, as you will be giving them a commitment of your time and creativity which is very valuable. Have a list of questions that you would like to ask to make sure that you fully understand the job role. Without going overboard, get as much information from them as possible about the position so that you can make a balanced decision. As you listen to the answers to your questions, mentally check the job against your list of what you value.
Tip 8 - Once you have an offer on the table, go back to your list and make sure that you are making a decision in keeping with your values. It is easy to be swayed by personalities, by fantasies of how fabulous you are going to feel in the new office, but the harsh reality is that lovely view in time will fade into the background of a job that you will either love, endure or hate!
If you are having trouble getting started in your job search, there are agencies that can support you. In Australia, we have the Job Network where you can register for assistance and work with a Case Manager who will assist you to find a job. There is also funding available for people while they are job searching. Make the most of the opportunity to dedicate yourself to finding the right fit for you. Failing these options, there are also employment agencies that can place you in temporary employment so you can "try before you buy" into a permanent employment relationship.
At the end of the day, this is your life and it is too short to be involved in a job that you don't enjoy. Spend the time, do the research, put your best foot forward and reap the rewards of a job you love.
