What are the ways to search for a job?
Whether you are a recent graduate, or you have been in the labor market for several years, the job
search process remains a difficult task for everyone. But have you heard the wisdom that says: "Don't try harder, but think smarter!" There is no denying it, looking for a job is a job in itself, and unfortunately it doesn't get easier with time... On the contrary, it gets more difficult as you get older. If you feel like you're on a vicious cycle without getting what you want, it might be time to take a step back and reconsider your job search strategy. This will undoubtedly help you regain your self-confidence, and contribute to getting the job opportunity you aspire to.
10 tips and ways to help you search for work
Whether you're joining the workforce for the first time, changing careers, looking for a better-paying job, or dealing with a recent layoff, searching for a new job can be stressful. The decisions you make may affect your career for years. By heeding smart tips, you can land a job that offers you fulfillment, great pay, and a variety of ways to advance in your career. In this article, we provide job search tips to help you land a job in the best position and company for your talents.
1- Networking on the Internet
Start building your presence on professional networks like LinkedIn. It may feel a bit early if you're still an undergraduate student, but you'll look great in front of employers when they see your enthusiasm to learn more about the job market even before entering it.
Follow these tips when networking online:
- Join discussion groups about the industries and areas of work you are interested in. And start building your functional social network little by little to stay updated with the latest job offers.
- Follow the companies and organizations you are interested in, and there is no harm in leaving some appropriate comments on the publications of these companies.
- Remember, it is not appropriate to add anyone to LinkedIn if you do not really know them. So beware of falling into the trap of adding bob and bear, in the hope of building a huge network, the effect will be counterproductive, and it will not serve you.
2- Talk to your friends and family
Employee recommendations are one of the most popular methods employers use to hire. That's because companies usually prefer to hire people who have been praised by their employees they trust. You can take advantage of this by asking your friends and family members who work in areas that you prefer. This may result in you being informed of new job opportunities before they are announced and the competition for them intensifying. In such cases, you will have a greater chance of getting the job.
3- Go beyond job listings
Sometimes, sticking with vacancy ads (job listings) may not be the best way to advance your career. Instead, focusing on specific companies (instead of vacancies in different places) may work to your advantage. This is because when you submit your application, you will be interested in this particular company, and the effect will be felt in your resume, cover letter, and even during the job interview. Keep your eyes open for job vacancies, of course, but look at it another way! How do?! When you find that a certain company has posted several vacancies at the same time, but none of them matches your expertise or competencies, don't hesitate to send your resume and cover letter anyway (market yourself!). Publishing more than one vacancy in the same company at the same time, means that it is in a period of expansion, and therefore this is the best time to market yourself to it and show your competencies, you may be taken into consideration the next time when vacancies are published that suit you.
4- Expand your search (and your perception too)
The job market is developing at an unprecedented rate, to the extent that there are some jobs that you have never heard of. It probably didn't even exist when you joined your undergraduate major a few years ago. The credit for this is due to the technological development that our world is witnessing today.
Have you heard of jobs like content marketing? Backend Developer? Or Growth Hacking?
They are all modern jobs, they may be considered part of the traditional jobs you know, or a branch of them, but they undoubtedly need you to give them some of your time.
Once you get past the traditional job titles, there will be less competition, and you'll find new, more exciting areas to try and get started. Expand your search for jobs, broaden your awareness as well, do not hesitate to try new jobs if you have the skills to do them, and do not limit yourself to traditional jobs, or even to local vacancies. The labor market is not local anymore, it has turned into a global market! You can work anywhere and from anywhere, and freelancing online is very popular with people around the world.
5- Use recruitment agencies
Finding a job through recruitment agencies can be a good option, especially if the idea of marketing yourself is stressful and challenging for you. The agency will do the job for you.
Recruitment agencies are actively looking for job opportunities for you, which can ease your burden and help you get a job in a relatively short time.
However, despite the many advantages of searching for a job through recruitment agencies, it also has some disadvantages, as the jobs that may be found for you are often boring, uninspiring and very low paying. In addition, many of them lack job security and future development opportunities.
6- Try hands-on training
This idea is especially good if you are trying new fields of work, because if you want to work in a completely different job than what you are used to, perhaps it would be better to have a chance to try this field first before you judge it and make the fateful decision to stick to it forever,
Internship opportunities are the best way to test and experience the job, as these opportunities can be paid or unpaid depending on the type of company and its policies. Although paid internship opportunities may not guarantee you a good income, they are still a great opportunity to learn about and try new areas of work before committing to a job, and often end up with a permanent job.
7- Career fairs
Job fairs are not only suitable for fresh graduates, they may be a good place for experienced people as well, if they know how to market themselves there. Through it, you can meet with senior hiring managers in companies, and learn about the various names of companies and organizations that you can apply to. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and learn about the application and recruitment procedures for different companies. Also, don't forget to write down the names of the hiring managers you meet.
8- Be your own boss
Many students and recent graduates feel frustrated about starting their own business for fear of risk and failure. Although building your own business to be your own boss can be difficult, if you have a great idea and great motivation, this step is probably the smartest decision you'll make in your entire life.