It’s never easy to start a job search. It can be a long process, and it’s often so overwhelming to even think about starting. First you’ve got to write (and/or update) your CV, before you hunt down job listings, save them into a short list, write cover letters, adapt cover letters, personalise cover letters, personalise CVs, network, reach out to recruiters, more personalising of documents, and then, once all of that is over, there’s still the interview process.
Sometimes, job hunting feels like a full time job itself. It can be hard not to let it all get too overwhelming, to give up or to feel super down in the dumps over it all. So, how can you keep your spirits up while going through the arduous process? Below, we’ve detailed a few practical things to keep in mind as you commence your job hunt.
Don’t worry if you’ve only got one interview after applying for a bunch of jobs.
Searching for the right job for you, at the right time, can feel like finding the needle in the haystack. There are so many places to look for jobs and so many listing sites that need to be regularly updated by hiring managers, and so it’s important to remember that just because you didn’t get an interview doesn’t always mean that you weren’t a great candidate. Often, so many of these listings can remain outdated. Positions may have been filled and the job hasn’t yet been taken down. Consider the 10/1 rule when job hunting – for every ten positions you apply for, it might be that only one could turn into an interview.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
We’ve all been there – when we feel like something is entirely our responsibility, and we continue to go it alone with no end in sight until we mentally or physically can no longer. This is usually never the right tact, and the same goes for job hunting. Put your feelers out to your network, and see who might be willing to help you along the way! Reaching out to a recruiter is also a fantastic way to get the help you need.
Be yourself!
This one feels cliche – but some cliches are as such for a reason! Job hunting can become so automated and robotic, that it can become easy for your character to be lost in the process. Cultural fit always plays a hugely important role in the hiring process, so be sure to embrace those unique idiosyncrasies that make you, you! You’ll never bore someone into hiring you, so you might as well show a little bit of who you are during the interview process in case your personality is the thing to give you the edge against other candidates.
Don’t limit yourself to online applications.
When the job search sometimes feels endless, that might be because it is. The online job sphere just keeps churning and churning, so if you’re feeling stuck in a loop, maybe start progressing those applications in the real world too. Reach out to the people working at that company, find an ex-colleague or contact that might be able to connect you with a friend of a friend who works there, or reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager and ask a few questions. This will get you on the radar of the people who might be influencing the decision making, and also showcase your eagerness and interest in the company.
Get on LinkedIn, and make sure your profile is up to scratch!
More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool for candidates. So, think of this social platform as pretty damn important in your job search. You want to be sure that if a recruiter logs on to look for a candidate, types in your location, your expertise and your industry, and you’re not there? Well, that job goes to someone else. Someone else that could have been you. Check out our blog here on how to maximise your LinkedIn efforts to land the right job.
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If all else fails, contact us today to discuss your job search and experience so we can match you to the perfect role. We would be delighted to provide you with the advice and guidance you need.
