How To Find A Job: 6 Important Lessons

Every job search is different – there’s no magic formula for how to find a job. However, there are steps you can take to give yourself the best possible chance. 

We all know the obvious ones: write a solid CV, tailor each job application specifically for the role, and prepare carefully before interviews.

But with the job market becoming increasingly competitive, it’s important to make yourself stand out. 

Here are six important lessons to help kickstart your job search.

Network, network, network

This is one of the most important lessons to learn if you want to know how to find a job.

A bit of well-placed networking could put you light years ahead of the competition. In fact, a recent survey suggested that 85% of all jobs are filled via networking.

That’s a startling statistic, and one that shows how crucial networking is. If you’ve never done it before, networking may seem daunting – but as with most things, practice makes perfect.

Start by extending your network. Ask your personal or professional contacts to introduce you to any of their contacts you’d like to meet.

When setting up meetings, be respectful of the other person’s time by being specific. For example, say: ‘I’d really appreciate your advice. Could we meet for 20 minutes?’ Know what you’re going to ask or talk about in advance so you can stick to this.

Always follow up meetings or phone calls with a thank you note. Touch base with your network regularly (but not too regularly). Make your messages personal, and be memorable by sharing an interesting, relevant article.

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Have a strong online presence

A 2015 survey by Jobvite found that 92% of recruiters use social media in the recruitment process, with 87% using LinkedIn, 55% using Facebook and 47% using Twitter.

A strong LinkedIn profile could give you a significant advantage in your job search. Make sure it’s up-to-date, and make it clear you’re looking for new opportunities. 

To give yourself an even stronger LinkedIn presence, try writing and posting articles that tie in with your sector or area of expertise. This will help position you as an authority in your field, and show recruiters that you’re passionate and enthusiastic about your industry.

Have a killer elevator pitch

Sometimes you might meet a useful contact when you’re not expecting to. At times like these, it helps to have a compelling ‘elevator pitch’ up your sleeve.

Rather than waffling about everything you’ve ever done, try to distil the answers to the following two questions into a neat 30-second snippet: what are your areas of expertise? And what sort of role are you looking for?

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Give people the tools to help you

If you’re asking someone to recommend you for a job, make it easy for them to help you. Give them all the details they need in an email, so that they can simply forward it to the relevant person.

If you’re applying for a specific role, make sure you include the job title and reference number (if it has one), your CV, and a short covering paragraph or two outlining how your skills and experience match the role.

Look after yourself

Job searching can be gruelling, and being rejected from roles can be demoralising.

Keep your spirits up by setting aside time to do things that you enjoy. Meet your friends, exercise or just chill out at home.

Taking this time to relax and enjoy yourself will help you feel more positive, and remind you that finding a job isn’t the only important thing in your life.

Pay it forward

When you’ve found a job and have settled in, try to help a friend or colleague in the same way people helped you during your job search.

You might offer advice, encouragement or simply a listening ear. You know how it felt when you were job searching, so you’re well-placed to help others in the same position.

How to find a job: a summary

Job searching can feel like an uphill struggle. But a few strategic moves, coupled with a positive outlook, should put you in strong position to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

Want to know more about how to find a job? Give us a call today to find out about our tailor-made, professionally written CVs.