How to search for a job – 15 tips

In the current economic environment where recruitment freezes are increasingly common and there are many hesitant job seekers, searching for a job is becoming increasingly competitive.

1) Know what you’re selling and understand the marketplace – its super competitive out there

If you’ve been out looking for a job recently you’ll know that it’s hard work. The economic downturn has meant that the majority of organisations are either making people redundant or not hiring. Be prepared to be competing with at least 100 other people for each role. You’ll find that for every 100 calls or approaches you make to potential Employers or Consultants that only 1 in 10 will unearth anything promising or encouraging.

With this competition and these odds you need to be sure of your strengths and what you’re selling and then work out who may be interested in what you have to sell.

2) DON’T resign from your job first

It’s a confident job seeker who resigns from their job in order to look for a new one. Traditionally it’s been easy to find another job but in the current economic climate it isn’t. Only resign once you have been offered a new job in writing. We have met many people recently who have resigned only to find themselves without a job -and therefore income – three months later.

3) Be well organised and persistent in your job search

It is a tough employment environment with fewer vacancies and lots of competition for those vacancies. It means that you need to be well organised and persistent in order to hunt down opportunities to present yourself by resume or in person to companies who may be recruiting.
Research the consultants you need to speak to and then scour every newspaper and online job site for opportunities that may be relevant for you. If companies are advertising direct find out the name of the person handling the position and if necessary the name of their secretary or receptionist and make the call. Chances are that you won’t get through to the main contact first time or even fifth time but if you are polite and persistent the secretary will usually do her best to ensure that she gives you a convenient time to call and to get through. If she is less than helpful then ring outside office hours when she may not be there to protect her boss.

When you get the chance be prepared to sell yourself in a sentence or two. If the contact tells you there are others with more relevant experience ask permission to call once those interviews are out of the way. Occasionally they find that those people are not right and occasionally they may be prepared to meet you.

Whatever your stance the more people you contact and speak with the closer you are to that elusive job opportunity.

4) Prepare a great Resume

The object of your resume is to secure an interview with a prospective employer and so your resume should be designed with that in mind. It is your “advertisement” and should reflect your basic information and key skills and experience as well as clearly portraying the value you can add to the organisation. Ideally no more than 3-4 pages long it wants to be well designed and styled.

It needs to pass the Five Seconds Test. Many HR and Line managers don’t have the time to avidly read your resume – if its one of 200 they received they have five seconds to make an assessment on your suitability. If they can’t find what they are looking for immediately in your resume it falls in the ‘No’ or ‘Maybe’ pile. So it needs to be clear and concise and written specifically with that job in mind. You don’t make up information – you just project your strengths in the area required to win an interview. It is an art form. Spend time on it and hit the ‘Yes’ pile more frequently.

5) Set yourself a realistic time frame

In the current economy there are fewer positions and organisations are taking longer to fill each position so it could take some time to find the right job. If you’re expecting to find one immediately then be prepared to be disappointed.

On average we’re finding that recruitment assignments can take twice the time they were a year ago.

6) Who can help you and how you can help them (to help you)

As part of your job search you need to be proactive and know who can help you find a job and how you can help them.

Construct a list of the following:

Specialist Recruitment Consultancies

Recruiters can open doors for you -they have a great network and, many employers are very happy to pay them a fee to find the right candidate. Their services are free to you as a job seeker and so you should use them. Contact only those that you have confidence can help you -either they have a good stream of relevant jobs, they have been recommended by friends or are specialists. You need to help them by “selling” your strengths to them and keeping in touch with them on a regular basis. It always helps if you are able to develop a relationship with one or more of the consultants in each firm.
Ambition specialise in accounting and technology recruitment across Australia, Asia and UK.

Job Boards and Print Media

Most employers (and recruitment companies) post their jobs on sites such as www.seek.com, www.mycareer.com.au and www.careerone.com.au and of course the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and Australian often has a host of jobs. Set yourself up to receive emails on new jobs and visit the sites on a regular basis

Your Network

These are your friends and former business contacts. Its time to have favours returned. Contact everyone you can think of who either is in a position of influence or knows someone in a position of influence. Call each one and let them know that you’re searching and what you’re searching for. Follow up with a short note identifying your three strengths and your resume and ask that they forward it on to anyone you think may be of interest.

Some people will be able to help – others wont but ensure that you follow up with another call 3-4 weeks later on. This demonstrates your proactive nature with regards to your search.

Employers

This is speculative and probably the least effective method but if you have skills that you think would be of interest to employers or companies that you want to work for, then approach both the human resources department and the line managers with your resume and a covering letter. This takes time and energy but does sometimes produce opportunities. Most employers also have a micro-site that is specifically designed for their Careers section.

You will get your next job from one of the above methods -it takes time and you need to be organised. Good luck with your search.

7) Be positive…consistently

When you start your job search you invariably do so with some confidence and enthusiasm but after several weeks without interviews or any potential interviews your confidence can ebb. It’s important to work on ways to maintain your enthusiasm and positive spirits – potential employers look for this and if you portray a negative outlook this will flow through to your job search. You never know when you are going to get “the call” so try and stay positive – it will be rewarded

8) Be on permanent standby

When you are seeking a job and have made several applications through consulting firms and personal contacts and to companies directly you are likely to receive emails and more particularly phone calls on your mobile regarding these applications. You obviously need to be very professional and courteous on the phone. Sometimes this can be difficult if you are with other people. However the caller WILL understand if you say that you appreciate their call but that it’s not convenient for you to talk. Ask if you can call them back and then do so at the time requested.

9) Take your interviews seriously – prepare to succeed

It’s likely that you’ll receive at least day’s notice for your interview. Spend this time wisely and prepare for a successful interview.

You should review and research in three areas – the company, the position and yourself. Firstly, research the company – look up the company’s web site and know what they do, their ownership structure and any recent issues such as takeovers or new products. Then review the position description and areas where you can add value and those areas where you may have weaknesses.

Research your own background, your resume, strengths and weaknesses and practice your answers to likely questions. Although it may appear trite make sure you are happy with your appearance and that you will present as professionally as you can.

Finally, know where you are going and whom you are going to see and plan to ensure that you will be there in plenty of time.

10) Perform like a champion at interview (and every other selection tool they use)

Being well prepared will give you a boost at interview -you’ll be more confident about your ability to perform.

Be confident and positive and answer the questions succinctly. When you get the chance ask good questions about the challenges attached to the position, who it reports to, the key performance indicators, the reason for the vacancy and anything else that came out of your research.

At the end of the interview always thank your interviewer and reaffirm your interest in the role even if you don’t think it’s for you. Your view could change on reflection later in the day.

11) A special mention for your referees

Before you attend the interview talk with your referees – they are your advisors and may know the company or be able to add some special advice. You will also want to alert them to the possibility of being contacted and need them to know the company and position you are being interviewed for so that they can be prepared to answer on your behalf.

12) Follow-up every interview

At the end of your interview ask the interviewer for his/her card and a potential time frame for their decision. Ensure that you follow up after the interview with a thank you letter or email and then a day or so after the deadline then follow up with a call to enquire about your progress

13) Be flexible but firm in your negotiations

Sometimes but certainly not always organisations will try and negotiate a lower salary in the current market on the basis that they think you will be more prepared to accept a lower salary.

If you get an offer and it’s below your realistic expectations try and understand the reasons why. Ideally meet with the recruitment consultant or company contact face to face as you want to know if the salary is relevant to the job and you’re overqualified for the job or alternatively if they do want to pay a lower rate for the job. Explain your strong interest in the job but that you were hoping for a salary that reflected your skills and experience and the value you can add to the company.

14) If you’re unsuccessful seek feedback

If you are unsuccessful it’s important to understand the reasons why as this can help you in your next application or interview. Most interviewers are reluctant to be detailed in their feedback but if you explain that it’s purely to help you in your next application you may be able to elicit some constructive advice.

15) When you’re successful thank everyone who played his or her part

You will get a job -when you do just take the time to inform everyone that needs to know and certainly thank those that helped you along the way -your referees, friends and consultants that have given you help and advice. It’s a nice touch and brings to a happy conclusion a difficult period in your life. Above all that they will be genuinely pleased for you.