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Smart Job Hunting Tips

A lot of us aren’t as smart as we could be when it comes to finding a new job. It’s not that we’re incapable of being smarter; it’s just that we’re yet to figure out the importance of being smart in a job search, or what being smart in this context actually means. Do we really understand, for instance, that smart doesn’t necessarily mean fast? Take a look at these pointers on how to find a job the smart way. 1. Smart doesn’t necessarily mean fast

The frantic activity of ringing up recruitment agencies, filling in endless job applications and scanning dozens of job boards won’t automatically lead you to your target career. Taking time to plan, research and to tailor each individual application will be a lot more effective.

2. Don’t rely on recruiters

Although it may be tempting to use recruitment agencies or headhunters, you can’t rely on them to magic up a job for you. Your CV is just one of hundreds to them. Given that they have so many candidates to choose from, you cannot depend on this as your only route to finding a new career.

3. Be selective

When job hunting, many of us believe it’s necessary to throw our CV out to as many people as possible. This isn’t the case. Just as you should be selective about how many different careers you target, you should be selective about how many employers or contacts you target with your CV.

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4. Keep your CV up to date

Whether career changing or just job searching, be sure your CV is relevant and targeted to the roles you’re going for. Don’t forget to update it with the details of your current or most recent position, including the new skills and competencies you’ve picked up in that role.

5. Research each company specifically

Each time you secure an interview, research the organisation. Even if you have already researched the company when planning and preparing your application to it, research it again. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of really knowing about the business before you go to the interview. Look at the company’s website, its LinkedIn profile and any recent press on it. Then think about what you have learnt.

6. Practise interviews

Prepare for the actual process of being interviewed by running through a few mock interview sessions with a career guide, friend or current/old colleague. Alternatively, practice answering possible questions whilst looking in the mirror. Correct your tone of voice, use of vocabulary and your body language as you go along, running through a list of questions several times.

7. Have two-way conversations

During the interview, remember that it is a two-way conversation. Don’t give monosyllabic answers but don’t go to the other extreme by talking at the interviewer(s) and dominating the conversation excessively.

8. Stay positive

Even if you don’t get job offers straight away try to think positively about it. Try to remember that just because opportunities aren’t instantly flooding in, it doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong career choice, or that no one out there believes you can shift to this particular career. Be patient and know that any kind of search for the right job can take time.

This checklist has been created by Position Ignition Ltd, one of the UK’s leading career consulting companies. Please contact enquiries@positionignition.com for more information or to suggest additional resources.