When job searching, particularly if you’ve been at it for a while, it can be all too easy to fall into bad habits, or become stuck in a pattern of searching that isn’t making the best use of your time. Too many job seekers take it as given that as long as you’re constantly searching and applying, you’re doing the best you can and giving yourself the best chance. The reality is that there is much more to a productive job search than this. The CA team have some advice to help keep you both motivated and productive while searching for that perfect role.
Do use a recruiter but don’t sit back and relax
Recruitment agencies are a massive help in every stage of a job search. They have the contacts you don’t, they have the relationships you don’t, they have the inside information you don’t and they have the experience you don’t, to name just a few factors. They can help you in your job search immeasurably. However, this certainly doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. You still have to keep up your end of the agreement – you need to keep your online profiles tidy and updated and keep your consultant informed of any changes at all. They can only help so much if you don’t keep them up to date with your own information and career goals.
Do vet your social media
Even if you think you run a tight ship when it comes to your social media profiles, it’s always worth another look to make sure there is nothing ‘unbecoming’ on there that a recruiter or hiring manager might see. They do check!
Don’t spam your CV
Casting the net wide and hoping something comes back is a tactic, but it’s not a good one. It’s not the tactic that will get you the job you want. It’s a tactic that will get you ‘a’ job and most probably not one that suits you very well. When it comes to job search, it is very much quality over quantity that will serve you best. Do your research before you even begin to consider applying to a company or for a role. This way, tailoring your CV for that specific role will give you a much better chance of getting to the interview stage.
Do take breaks
You will burn out quickly if you don’t give yourself some time off from your job hunt, so take breaks. It’s a good idea to organise your days so that the time you spend on job search is more productive than if you were to simply sit down in the morning and just…search.
Do network
There’s never a bad time to network. Just because you’re unemployed, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be gained from networking. In fact, it could bring opportunities that you wouldn’t have got with job searching alone.
Do manage your expectations and don’t think you’re alone
Job searching can be soul-destroying at times. One way to mitigate the lows is to be realistic about it all. Understand that it does take effort, it does take time, but most of all, you’re not alone. Every job seeker goes through the same frustration you do.
Job seeking can be draining, even at the best of times. Staying positive and motivated is key to success.