Is Your Job Search Working For You? Read To Find Out

Is your job search working for you or you are working for it?

Finding a new job can itself be a full-time job and the irony of the job search process is, when you already have a job, you end up getting a lot of offers. However, when you are jobless, you will realize that those opportunities are nowhere to be seen.

Finding a new job is not a course for the faint-hearted because most of the job seekers have walked in this journey and have given up on the way.

If your job search has borne no fruits, then you should consider consulting career coaches who will help you refine how your approaches have been and rectify them for you to get that job.

So, how can you ensure your job search is working for you?

Here are 6 tips.

1. Do Not Go for ‘Anything’

If you mentioned to your networks that you are open to anything, how will they really help you?

Be specific with what you want for you to activate your network. Focus on the key skills and share with people who may spot the right opportunities for you.

It is said that if you don’t stand for something then you will fall for anything.

2. Do Not Use Job Boards Only

The effective way is to spend 20% to 25% of your job search time online and the rest of your time networking and targeting companies that are of interest. Sign up for job alerts and receive daily emails. You can also consult career coaches who will give you the right direction, network, contact the company or visit physically.

3. Do Not Only Focus On Receiving but Also Giving

Blessed is the hand that giveth.

If your aim is only to network to get that job, then you may get disappointed. Network to offer something and not only aim at gaining something.

Networking opportunities should be used to learn and get to know the other person, how you can offer something to them, and in the end, they may see your value and offer you an opportunity. If your intention is what can you do for me then the people will shy away from you. Focus on what can you also do for them.

4. Have A Balance

Some people focus all their time on job search forgetting about themselves. They forget to prepare for interviews such that if the position is urgent and the interview is urgent they may fail because they didn’t prepare well. Set clear goals about the time you’ll spend on reaching out to people and applying for. You will perform better if you rest well and set time for the things you love.

5. Personalize Your application

You might be tempted to use the same CV applying for all positions. Take time to craft your CV to be professional and align it to fit the job description. Employers are tired of seeing the same CV for different positions. Pick out the key points and responsibilities and highlight and match them with the job you apply for.

6. Do Not Get Stuck in Your Old Role

Some people will remain in the same company for many years thinking that their bosses will be awful if they leave or the company may not find the person who will work like him. This is wrong because everyone wishes to grow. Consider how your transferrable skills can be applied. Have a list of the things you’ve learned in your role and how those things will help you in your future roles. Focus on your long-term goals and how you will achieve them.

Finally,

If your job search has not been working for you, then you should consider evaluating to know what you have been doing wrong then go to the drawing board. Take some time to reflect on how you have been conducting your search and if there are changes that should be made then do so because they may have a big impact.