Use feature-rich job-search engines and professional networking sites to find suitable vacancies.
Although it may seem otherwise, finding a job has never been easier. The days of searching through classified ads in the newspaper are long gone, sending your CV and cover letter through the mail, and waiting for weeks for a phone call or letter in response.
These days, job search tools and professional networking sites are what you need. But they aren’t all equal – only a handful of sites give you everything you need.
The first thing to look for in a job-search site is aggregation. Sites that do this scour the internet and bring together millions of jobs from every site. Check whether the job-search site you’re using allows you to make one-click applications, which allow you to apply from within the interface – saving you both time and frustration.
Make sure that your chosen site also uses AI to recommend jobs and alert you to new jobs when they’re posted. It should also allow you to provide feedback so the algorithm can make better future recommendations.
A helpful feature is to review what the site’s bots have extracted from your CV and correct that information. You should also see how good a match you are for every job.
Ideally, you also need to be able to keep track of your applications within the site. And it helps to know the status of your application – for example, does the site send emails telling you that your CV is being read or that a potential employer has given you a positive rating?
And finally, what if a job comes to you? AI can now alert employers to your CV, and if they like you, they’ll more than likely invite you to apply. That’s right: they find you!
LinkedIn is a must. Keep your page updated with your skills, experience, and a photo. Ensure your headline provides an overview, and lets recruiters know you’re open to opportunities. Search for jobs and companies you’re interested in, connect with current and past colleagues and friends, and join professional groups to expand your network further.
Apply to the right jobs – and do it quickly.
Strike while the iron’s hot – you know the adage. Well, when it comes to applying for jobs, it’s spot-on.
Apart from applying quickly – preferably within two days of the job being posted – what else should you do?
It’s important not to disqualify yourself from jobs based on the listed job requirements. You should consider these the employer’s wish list or nice-to-haves. For example, if you see the phrases “entry-level” and “three years’ experience” in the requirements, they can’t both be right. So, get that application in if you think you have at least 40 per cent of the conditions being sought!
And when searching for jobs, look for those that match your current job title exactly; bots will almost certainly put your CV in front of a human-based on that alone. If you know someone at the company, all the better – 50 per cent of jobs are filled this way.
Getting a job will be easier if you’re passionate about the product, company, or service. If you are, you’re probably already an expert, and you’ll be able to talk with enthusiasm. The company will love you!
What else to consider? Look out for jobs in which you’ll earn more money than you’re making now, too. It may not be your long-term motivator, but knowing there’s a chance of a wage hike is going to motivate you to get that job.
Finally, consider vacancies at your current employer’s direct competitors. From their perspective, you’ll have knowledge and expertise that few others can match – but do check that this doesn’t place you in contractual conflict, and certainly don’t ever take anything from your old company to the new one!