Top Five Tips When Hunting For Jobs
Posted by admin | Career Planning | Posted on January 18th, 2012
In the current economic situation, finding a job can feel like a daunting task. But just because the job market is tougher than usual, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any jobs out there, it just means that the competition for those jobs is steeper than usual. To help you gain the competitive edge you need into today’s challenging job market, here are some top tips that you can use when going job hunting.
Tip One: Update your CV.
If you haven’t got a CV then put one together as soon as you can. Make sure it’s accurate and doesn’t contain any mistakes. If your spelling is weak, find someone who is good at spelling and ask them to check it for you. Then get your CV out there. Send it to prospective employers and post it on recruitment websites like Guardian Jobs.
Tip Two: Set yourself a target.
This means that you will have something positive to aim for every day. Your target might be time-orientated. For example, you might tell yourself that you’re going to spend two hours each morning hunting for work. Or you might choose a numerical target instead, deciding that you’re going to apply for five jobs every day.
Tip Three: Use your networks.
Talk to all of your friends and family and let them know that you’re actively seeking work. Tell them what sort of work you’re looking for and ask them if they wouldn’t mind asking around for you. Many jobs are found through word of mouth, so don’t be shy.
Tip Four: Look in as many places as you can.
Look on recruitment websites. If you don’t know any, then type a phrase like ‘find a job’ into any search engine. If you don’t have internet access, try your local library. Also look in your local or regional newspaper (if you don’t want to buy papers, then your library will have copies that you can use free of charge).
Tip Five: Be interview ready.
Always keep your phone switched on. Have an interview outfit washed and ready to put on. Put some money aside to pay for petrol or bus fare. When the employer rings to ask when you’re available for interview, you can create a great impression by telling them that you’re available immediately.
Put these tips into practice and keep trying. The only person who can get that job for you is you.