10 quick tips to help you find a job


Posted By: Thomas Shaw, 2:59pm Sunday 08 March 2009

During these tough economic times, it is incredibly stressful when unemployed. Now with more job seekers in the workforce, the so called "skills shortage" has decreased in most industries. Here are 10 quick tips to help you on your way.

1. Use a recruitment agency that specialises in your particular area. Get to know the recruitment consultant, and follow them up weekly. The more you appear visible, the more they will remember you

2. Review and specifically tailor your resume for each role you apply for. If you keep sending out generic resumes then you will get generic responses.

3. Use social networking sites, and build your profile as if it was your digital resume. Promote yourself via sites like LinkedIn and Twitter.

4. Pay attention to detail. One of things I have noticed as an recruiter is job seekers rushing and not paying attention do detail. Sending out the wrong cover letter to prospective employers will kill your chances.

5. Commit to your job search like a job. Make sure that you spend a certain amount of hours each days looking for a job no matter what. I know it is hard and depressing but it is the only way to ensure you find a job.

6. Stay organised. Create a spreadsheet of all the jobs that you applied for so you won't apply for the same job over and over again (as many recruiters refresh old adverts). That will kill your chances with that employer. You can also use the spreadsheet to follow up your application if you have not had any responses within a few days

7. Don't be afraid to take risks. Are you willing to look in other industries that normally would not look into but you have skills that will transfer well? Are you prepared to travel interstate for the right opportunity?

8. Know your priorities. Do you have enough money saved up or do you need to work to pay the bills?

9. Prepare for the interviews. Lots of people are so excited to have a response that don't prepare for the interview. I don't mean regarding what you are going to wear but thinking your responses to interview questions. eg. Why are you are good fit for this position? What are your weaknesses and strengths?

10. Don't forget to send a follow up or thank you note after your interviews. When there is a surplus of qualified candidates, sometimes the little things will make the difference. A thank you note can be your deciding factor. The thank you card should be send within 24 hours of the interview.