Guide to finding a new job

Here's Your Guide to Finding A New Job

Do you want to know where to look for part-time, full-time, or remote jobs online? Or maybe you are thinking about a career change and you're considering leaving your current job but not convinced you have a compelling enough cause to jump ship and begin job hunting? Are you concerned that the cost-of-living crisis is having a negative impact on your life?

Looking for work is typically a source of stress for many people, so we've devised some simple steps and essential career advice to assist you navigate this process stress-free and get you on course to find your dream job.

Identify Your Career Options

Okay, so you're certain that you need a new job, but what do you want to accomplish in your real career?

  1. Identify a new direction- Make a list of potential careers that you truly enjoy, not just those that you believe you are capable of.
  2. Identify the things you're good at- You should come first in a successful job search, not your cv. Most people don't consider themselves to be "talented," but if you look closer, you'll likely discover something that will help you find the kinds of jobs you'll most enjoy.
  3. Identify your skills and strengths - Additionally, you can use your skills and strength to help identify the types of jobs and industries you are most suited to.

If it's difficult for you to decide what type of work, you want? Think on how your objectives, abilities, and experience align with the normal responsibilities of a job, considering location, working hours, and income.

You can make a list of all the prospective job titles to include in your search once you've decided what you want to accomplish.


Write or Update Your CV

Before starting your job search, you should spend the time updating your CV, even if you currently have one. Because even though you'll still need to modify it for each position you apply for, having the essentials covered (such as formatting, layout, and your most recent employment history/skills) will make this process much simpler.

You'll be on the right track to impressing any potential employer after you discover how to make a CV. Just make sure it's brief, to the point, and relevant.


Where To Start Looking for a Job?

Networking

Numerous of the greatest positions are never published, which is why it's called the "secret job market." Potential candidates hear about them through word of mouth from friends, past co-workers, and ex-bosses and then fill them.


Go Online - Job Boards and Career Websites

  1. Job Boards - Search by both location and job title and do so every day. Anyone has access to a job board run by the governments. E.g. UK GOV, national careers service.
  2. Career Websites: You may also utilise job search engines or any of the many career-related job site where you will find a job opportunity and job opening.
  3. Freelancing Websites: Many additional databases, such as People Per Hour, Upwork, Simply Hired, and Crowded, specialise in freelance and contract employment.
  4. Industry specific sites: There are also specialised job search sites for certain industries

Job Fairs

Job fairs occasionally have a specific sector in mind, despite some of them being more general in nature. The advertising materials list the groups that will be represented.

Study any businesses that catch your eye, carry a stack of resumes and business cards, and get ready to pitch yourself by doing some research on them.

Any conversations you have with recruiters can be viewed as mini-interviews that will allow you to stand out from the crowd and be viewed as a potential candidate. These recruiters can also act as a hiring manager and some businesses may even conduct on-site interviews with applicants who match their requirements.


Company Websites

Go directly to the career page of the company's website if you already have your ideal employer in mind and look at their job listing. There is a possibility that you may discover the ideal opportunity if you keep an eye on openings on its website.

Make a list of companies you'd like to work with, then often check their websites. If you have your heart set on working for a certain organisation, it could take some time to locate the ideal job for your skill set. However, if you have the time, this can be the best approach to land your ideal job.


Cold Calling

If there are no job postings for a company in which you have a great interest, you may make a cold call. You can phone or email someone once you've found their contact information on the company's website. Inquire about current job vacancies with a copy of your CV attached.

It's crucial to note that this form of engagement isn't always well received. You'll be lucky if you get a response at all. Nonetheless, there is a chance that it will give you with information about upcoming openings.


Recruiters

Recruitment companies can assist you if you need professional assistance with your job hunt or job application.

Many businesses use a recruiter or recruitment agencies to ease the employment process. They actively seek job seekers to fill certain positions and alternatively act like a career coach and even help by becoming your resume writer.

Keep in mind that many colleges and universities provide career placement programmes that may assist new grads with resume development and job searches for both current students and alumni.


Temping or Internships

Short-term contracts and temporary work frequently result in permanent employment. It's a terrific method to network or, at the absolute least, provide you valuable business contacts you may utilise later on.

A recruitment agency can help job seekers with finding contract jobs as well as temporary or casual roles.

For students who are just graduating from college, internships are a fantastic option. Many institutions offer job placement services to help students find employment.

If you're just starting out and you can afford it, volunteering and gaining work experience can be a great way to gain valuable industry contacts.


Build Your Online Portfolio

Creating your own personal brand is a great way to stand out to recruiters.

Writing your own blog, publicising any conferences or events you attend on social media, and networking with key individuals in your profession are all strategies to promote yourself.

This not only makes a good first impression, but it also validates the credentials, talents, and experience you've stated in your application. And, if you're looking for work, especially in the creative industries, showcasing your expertise by displaying samples of your work online is sometimes required.

Just be cautious not to depict yourself negatively, since excessive sharing may turn off potential employers. Remember that privacy settings are in place for a reason.


Tailor Your Applications

Once you've decided what you want to do and where you're going to look, it's time to start applying for jobs.

First and foremost, make sure you're searching as efficiently as possible by broadening or narrowing your search, or changing up the job titles you look for.

When you've found a job, you're interested in, try to sell yourself by submitting carefully tailored applications. Using the job description as a guide, highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the position in your resume and cover letter.

While sending the same ones over and over again may save you time, it is unlikely to impress an employer. It will also fail to demonstrate your suitability.


Turn on Job Alerts

Searching for a job or waiting for a job offer can be a time-consuming task. Therefore, you need to be a proactive job hunter.

Not only do you have to spend time searching for the right role and submitting a good application, but you also have to wait to hear back from recruiters.

But instead of putting all your faith into one vacancy or waiting around to get a call back - it's vital to keep your search moving. Especially because new jobs are added every day, and applying quickly is vital if you want to beat the competition.

All it takes is a quick check in to job sites, employer websites, and social media pages daily to make sure you're in the loop.

Additionally, some job sites send you job alerts to keep every job seeker updated with incoming roles or an interview.


Prepare For the Interview

You've been invited to an interview, which is fantastic news. But how do you get ready?

Apart from determining the type of interview you'll attend (phone, video, group, or one-on-one), it's also critical to research the company, role, and potential questions you'll be asked.

Here are our top interview preparation tips to help you figure out what you should do.


8 Tips For Finding a New Job While Still Employed

Job searching while you already have a job has advantages but comes with risks. The following tips can help you with your job hunt - without getting cut.

  1. Use caution- While it may be tempting to speak with a co-worker, you should not. Your intention to look for work elsewhere could easily be discovered by your boss, resulting in an unexpected dismissal.
  2. Only use personal devices for job searches- Only use your personal phone, computer, or email for job searches. If you need to conduct job-search-related business while at work, use your cell phone and your own data plan instead of the company Wi-Fi.
  3. Plan ahead of time-ask the hiring managers if you can interview before or after work, or over lunch. If that isn't an option, consider taking a personal day off.
  4. Use former employers as references- Most hiring managers or human resource are comfortable with being given references from a previous employer.
  5. Update your LinkedIn profile- Before you begin editing, turn off notifications so that changes won't be broadcast to your personal LinkedIn network.
  6. Job hunt on your own time - Make sure you're doing all job search activities when you're at home, on your own time.
  7. Ask potential employers to be discreet- Hiring managers and recruiters understand that you don't want your employer to know you're looking for a new position.
  8. Be cautious online - be cautious when using social media or visiting job boards. A single status update could notify your employer that you're looking for new opportunities. When posting your resume online, reduce the risk by checking your privacy settings and using services that mask your identity.

Key Takeaways

Finding a new job can be intimidating and time-consuming, but hopefully, you have gained some useful career advice and tips that will assist you in getting you that job quickly.

In today's modern and dynamic job market, finding a job may involve a combination of the methods listed above. Being adaptable in your approach and experimenting with new techniques will allow you to cast a wider net and increase your chances of being hired.

Instead of being discouraged by the road to work, break it down into manageable steps. Have a winning CV, cover letter, and prepare for your interview with all our step-to-step guides below.

Getting it right and good finding that dream job!

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