Looking for a New Job? Where to Look

So you’re ready to join the workforce? Change jobs? Return to work after a career break? You’ve thought about the kind of job you are looking for and drawn up a professional resume? Great…let’s get started. You can start looking for suitable jobs in the following places:

• Online job boards (almost all companies advertise their jobs online nowadays and a quick Google search “find jobs” will probably take you to the top ones in your area).
• National newspaper advertisements.
• Local newspaper advertisement.
• Recruitment agencies.
• Specialist online job boards targeted towards part-time, freelance or family friendly jobs if applicable or specialist industries.
• Previous employers or professional contacts.
• Company websites.
• Government run job boards.
• Shop windows.
• Word of mouth and personal networks.

Know What You Want

Be clear about the kind of job you are looking for as it will help you narrow down your internet searches. For example, most job boards have an option to refine your search to “part-time work” if applicable. You can also often put in key word searches such as “job share” or “school hours” or specific duties. Don’t waste your time applying widely to every job you see. It can ruin your credibility if recruitment agencies see your resume arrive for every job they advertise. A few specifically targeted applications for roles that suit your skills or at least are in the same ballpark will be much more effective.

Recruitment Agencies

If you want to use a recruitment consultant to help you with your job search, it is usually best to register with between three and five agencies. Any more than this can be ineffective as you lose track of your job applications or begin doubling up. Register, attend interview, provide references and most importantly keep in touch. Recruitment consultants tend to see about twenty candidates a week. A quick weekly email or phone call to touch base and remind them of your job search can do wonders with regards keeping you front and centre of their minds.

Don’t underestimate your recruitment consultant!

Recruitment consultants can make your or break you with regards finding the role of your dreams. Many times, as a recruiter, candidates would come in for interview in jeans with a “you’re just the recruitment consultant” or a “it’s all there on my resume” attitude. Make no mistake, you will only be presented to clients, if your recruiter is confident that you are capable of attending interviews punctually, dressed appropriately and able to answer questions effectively. And this means you have to prove it them first!

Dress to Impress

It is the way of the world, that appearances are important. No matter your size, age, level of attractiveness, make sure you are dressed appropriately for the role for which you are applying. For most roles especially corporate ones, this means smart, clean clothes, neat hairstyle, not too much make up or flesh on show, closed toe shoes and a big smile. Think about how the employees of your chosen company dress and try to mirror it. Stand straight, make eye contact and give a firm hand shake. Research has shown that first impressions count and your non-verbal cues will count up to four times more than anything you actually say.

Be Self Aware

If you feel your recruitment agent is giving you the run around, you might be right! Don’t despair if you are not getting the results you want. If possible, ask your recruiter for honest feedback. How could you improve your application and be more marketable? Do you need to update your skills, improve your interview technique or adapt your expectations? Be open to their advice, ask them to keep your file open and then move on. Chemistry is important as in any relationship. If you don’t click with a recruiter, find another…

Don’t Be Shy

Many opportunities are not even advertised. Don’t be shy to use your personal networks. Tell people you are looking. Draft up your resume and carry a copy. Call up companies of interest and ask if they have any opportunities to suit you. At the very least, people will admire your initiative.

Looking for a New Job? Where to Look