It’s easy to feel lost, exhausted, and intimidated by the prospect of job hunting, and this is often the case for those who are not ‘in the know’ about where to start.
And so to make sure that that isn’t you, here are some helpful tips on how to land the job that's right for you.
Whether you’re exploring graduate options, considering a career change, looking for flexible work, or simply in need of a job as soon as possible, there are lots of options you can explore and help you can seek along the way.
1. Identify your Strengths, Skills, and Interests
Identifying any transferable skills, strengths and interests you have is a strong starting point if you are unsure about what kind of work would best suit your abilities and character.
Creating a brainstorm where you list your skills and qualities can illuminate new pathways for future employment. To cover all your bases, you may want to split these up into ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills.
‘Hard skills’ include specific abilities, typically backed up by formal qualifications or experience. This may include proficiencies in IT, bookkeeping, data analysis, knowledge of different languages, Microsoft Office e.c.t.
‘Soft skills’ can be more personable. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating these. While they may be more general, these skills are almost always transferable to any job. They may include qualities such as good time management, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and any other positive traits you value in yourself.
Taking the time to really consider what you care about will also help you identify which job you will thrive in. Perhaps you enjoy creating art, tending to animals, your local community, helping others, computing, writing, cooking, social media, or anything else. Know that your sheer enthusiasm would be a great asset to any of these areas of employment.
Say, you are an empathetic, animal lover, then your local veterinary practice could be a great place to inquire about job opportunities.
Equally, if you are a resilient, logical person with an interest in computers, perhaps an internship with a tech company could be the start of a lucrative future in software engineering.
2. Develop a ‘Plan Of Action’
Once you have taken the time to recognise your skills and interests, it is time to assemble this all into a CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Don’t worry if you don’t have formal experience! Remember the importance of demonstrating those ‘soft’, transferable skills. These skills may have been acquired throughout your time at school, or in your family and social life.
You should also be bold! If you are worrying that you may not have the exact skills and experience that a certain job is asking for, don’t let this deter you from applying. As long as you stress that you have the right attitude and are eager to learn, they can teach you all the more specific skills you need when you’re on the job.
Find out how to write a CV with no experience here.
You can always get help from a relative, colleague, work coach, or mentor when finalising your CV to give you the best chance of getting shortlisted.
From here, it's time for you to take charge in enacting your plan of action. Set a timeframe for yourself to commit to applying to roles, even if it's just 20 minutes a day.
You may even want to spend this time editing your CV to more closely tailor it to the individual job applications you're submitting it to. Doing this can go a long way in making you a more desirable candidate.
Even small details like imitating the style of language of the company website you are applying to can make all the difference. For example, different organisations will refer differently to their customers- some may call them ‘visitors’, others ‘guests’, or sometimes ‘clients’. The person reading your CV will be paying close attention and will recognise these small details that prove you to be the best match for the role.
Take charge, be confident, and do your research.
3. Applying Online
Now that you have your beautifully crafted CV, you may need some ideas on where to send this. The most obvious place to apply for jobs is the internet.
If you have a dream organisation in mind that you would love to work for, why not start by venturing directly to their company website? Typically there will be a webpage advertising their vacancies and opportunities. You can even boast of this in your application as it is further proof of your real interest in the company.
If you’re not insistent upon a particular company or organisation, websites like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, Cv-library and even press like The Guradian may work best.
These websites allow you to quickly preview multiple job applications in a short amount of time. They also let you filter your needs. It is possible to set searches to only display jobs within a specific location, salary bracket, or shift pattern.
Social media is another online place to consider.
Instagram can be a great visual format to showcase a portfolio of work, whether it be in art, beauty, hair, or design.
Linkedin is a favoured platform amongst professional groups and can be a fruitful starting point for anyone wanting to progress further into a career.
4. Networking
Networking involves introducing yourself to people within a profession or workplace and then using these new relationships to land new job opportunities.
This can be done by mingling with people at career fairs, and industry events, contacting old employers or colleagues, or even simply joining a club. It essentially involves demanding that these people take note of you and your career interests.
Networking can perhaps feel like the most intimidating option when it comes to applying for jobs, but the truth is not every role is advertised online. In fact, there is a whole hidden job market out there exclusive to those who know the right people.
Networking can be a great opportunity to bridge that gap, especially if you feel uninformed about the field or industry you are interested in.
It’s best to remember that networking goes both ways, so be sure to let them know that you also have something to offer them. Emphasise your unique experiences, skills, insights, or even just your fiery enthusiasm.
5. Applying Through an Institution
Perhaps this is your first job, or you’re just feeling in need of extra support, then sitting down face-to-face with a professional can ease the process of gaining employment. They can offer advice tailored to you, edit your CV, and often find job vacancies for you to consider.
You can find services like this in your place of education, the job centre, your local library or a recruitment agency.
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