Tips for focusing your job searchKnow your career goals, Plan ahead, Get help with your resume and cover letter, Use all job search resources, Customise your resume, Research companies, Apply with confidence, Schedule informational interviews. Job search is all about finding the right fit, although we all know that's easier said than done. But with the right preparation, you can enjoy the journey. Here are 30 tips from local employers to help you through the job search process.
You may not want to hear this, but job hunting takes time. Finding the right job opportunities can take months, not to mention the interview process. Prepare yourself mentally for the journey so that you spend less time being discouraged and more time winning over employers. Whatever your situation, badmouthing your company or your manager is not going to get you a new job, but is a major red flag for recruiters and hiring managers.
The first human eyes to review your CV are usually those of a junior HR person or recruiter, who may or may not understand all the nuances of the job you are applying for. While all people who share job search advice are well-intentioned, they are usually not career experts, but friends and family who want to help you. So, if you are currently working but are thinking of moving on, make sure you have done all your homework and are putting yourself in the best position to get the job you want before you leave. If you plan your search, you will be committing yourself to a new job and will be more likely to find the job you like.
Create a simple spreadsheet with the job title, posting date, contact name and link to their website to easily track the status of your applications. I was competing head-to-head with another engineer, who was similarly talented and wanted the job just as badly. It's never smart to lie to your boss, but it can be a necessary evil if you want to keep your current job. They can help you get an interview, help you prepare for the interview, give details about the job, provide instant feedback and are free.
Having a network of people who can recommend or inform you of job vacancies is incredibly valuable. If you don't know how to harness the power of any other social networking tool for your job search, check out LinkedIn.
