JOB HUNTING 101

How to find and secure a job in a time where career prospects are scarce.

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Given the current economic conditions, career opportunities are few and far between and it’s easy to feel despondent when searching for a new job. But don’t give up just yet! Here are some great tips on how to look for a job and prepare for an interview.

RESEARCHING JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Focus your job hunt by searching for jobs that cover your particular skill sets.

• Identify your skills and interests for the type of job you’re looking for. Sign up for an email alert when similar jobs become available.
• Research the organisation’s website to see if they have the type of jobs you want. Find out if the skills and qualifications they need match yours.
• Check out recruitment websites, industry organisation websites, social media, professional and industry journals, attend career expos or promote yourself at networking events.

Key websites to look at:

• LinkedIn
• Careers 24
• Career Junction
• Indeed
• BestJobs

UPDATE YOUR CV
With organisations viewing hundreds and thousands of applications, your CV has to stand out and catch the employer’s eye. Long gone are the days of submitting a boring word document - you need to get creative! There are an abundance of stylish CV templates that are free online. The design is already done for you, you just need to pop in your information.

• Tailor your CV to the jobs you’re applying for so employers can see you’ve got the right skills and experience for the role.
• Include your personal statement – a small paragraph at the top of your CV summarising your skills and strengths.
• Include examples of your achievements, including how your work contributed to successful outcomes.
• Keep it short because employers are busy and are mainly looking for relevant work experience.
• Choose references who can speak well of your achievements.

CREATE A GREAT ONLINE PROFILE
Professional networking sites like LinkedIn have become extremely popular with employers. Sixty percent of hiring managers say they’re less likely to give you an interview if they can’t find you online. Make yourself visible so employers can verify you.

• Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to boost your public profile and highlight your skills. NB! Be extremely careful when sharing insensitive memes or tweets that could get you into hot water.
• Set up a professional website or Facebook page just for job seeking that has links to your CV, a short video bio, examples of your work, and images of hobbies or interests.

CLEAN UP YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
If you make it to the interview stage, most employers will have looked you up online. Before you start your job search make sure you have a clean digital footprint.

• Google yourself with a quick name search to find out how you come up online. If you like what’s there, then you’re fine. If something you wouldn’t want an employer to see comes up on Google, have it removed or made private. If nothing shows up, raise your profile by tweeting or building a LinkedIn profile.
• Keep your private life private by triple checking your privacy settings and if in doubt, don’t post or ‘like’ controversial/political posts.

APPLYING FOR JOBS
When you apply for a job, include a cover letter and/or an application form if they require one. If you need guidance on writing a good cover letter, there are a multitude of great examples and templates online. Show you’re enthusiastic about the role by giving examples in the cover letter of how your skills and experience match the tasks and requirements listed in the job advert. Tell the employer why you’d like to work in their company.



PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
An interview is a chance for an employer to meet you in person, and for you to assess whether you would like to work there. So, it’s important to spend time preparing.

• Find out more about the organisation online, it’s products, services and key people.
• Reread the job description to prepare for questions you may be asked.
• Make sure you have questions ready to ask them, and evidence of your achievements.
• Practise your interview by writing out possible questions you’ll be asked.

INTERVIEW DAY
Firstly, congratulate yourself when you’re offered an interview. Now it’s up to you to make a great impression and get that job!

• First impressions do count, so make sure you wear something that’s smart, simple and looks professional. NB! Personal hygiene is essential.
• Work out how you’ll get to the interview, and how long it’ll take you to get there so you’re not late.
• Be confident when answering interview questions and speak clearly.
• Keep it positive by not criticising previous employers.
• Be ready to give examples from your previous experience that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Happy hunting!

By SKYE LAVIS