Sharpen your job search
Friday 4 August 2006
If you haven't got a job but want one, or if you already have one but want a different one, you'll need to perfect your job hunting skills.
Our quick guide has got the inside line on making sure that your search for a job is short, sweet and successful.
Get online
One of the best ways of finding a job is by going online. There are thousands of online job sites covering just about every type of career path going.
Some of them have been put together just for teenagers too and most of them have tips on applying.
Email alerts
Some sites let you enter your requirements into a form and then email you when something that might suit you comes up. If you go for this option, try and be pretty specific; you don't want to get an email every single time a new job is posted.
At the same time, don't narrow your preferences down too far. Something might come up that's not quite what you were after, but could appeal to you just the same.
Recruitment agencies
As well as looking online, you could try asking recruitment companies to give you a hand in your job search. They take your details and may give you tests like typing or spelling. They'll then try and match you up with a job that suits your skills.
You should be aware that recruitment consultants have hundreds of people asking for their help so you should check in with them every so often to make sure they keep you in mind.
A quick phone call every morning to see if there are any jobs available won't hurt; in fact, it'll make you look keen.
Networking
There's an old saying - it's not what you know, it's who you know - and it's partly true. Spread the word around your mates and your parents' friends that you're available and looking for work.
You might be surprised and find that the job of your dreams has been under your nose all along. If there's a particular job you're interested in, ask around and see if you can pull in a favour.
Direct contact
Maybe there's a company that you'd love to work for but they're not advertising for staff. Why not be your own recruitment consultant?
There's nothing wrong in getting in touch with them with your details and asking them to contact you if anything comes up. They might even realise that there is a space for someone with your skills.
The fact that you've had the guts to get in touch directly will show them how determined you are.
Get some training
If it looks as if the job search isn't really working out for you, why not get some extra training so that you're in a better position to get the job you're after?
Your local Connexions adviser should be able to tell you what training opportunities are available to you.
Top tips
- Get up early and grab a newspaper to see what jobs are available locally.
- Keep in contact with recruitment agencies.
- Sign up with more than one agency.
- Check online every day.
- Sign up for email alerts.
- Ask around for job opportunities.
- Don't be disheartened if things don't work out straight away.
- Put together an emergency interview wardrobe in case you're asked into a company or agency for a chat.
- Don't stop looking just because you've got an interview; leave your options open.
- Find out if there are any training programmes you can attend to improve your chances of getting a job.
