Career minded individuals should search as many sources as possible to increase their chances of finding the right vacancy. It has been estimated that only 40% of jobs are advertised, meaning the rest are filled in house, through networking or by word of mouth. The main reason for this is that advertising a vacancy can be expensive and time consuming.
Job boards and the internet
Going online is now the most common way of finding a job, simply because it is quick, easy and gives you the widest choice. It’s best to search as many job boards as possible, as some vacancies will only be posted on specific sites.
Employers websites
They have their own vacancy pages, so its worth checking there for further opportunities.
Specialist job boards
If you work in a niche area then search specialist sites related to that.
Email alerts
Register with job boards for jobs by email and get relevant vacancies sent directly to your email address.
Local newspapers
Ideal if you are looking for jobs locally.
National newspapers
Some larger and national employers want to be associated with the brand of a particular national newspaper, hence they will only advertise in specific press. Again worth checking if you don’t mind having to go out and buy newspapers.
Professional / specialist magazines & trade journals
It can be hard for employers to find suitably qualified candidates for specialist roles, because of this these roles are advertised in specialist press. For instance a vacancy for a experienced architect will not attract the right candidates if its advertised in a local newspaper. However if its advertised in a trade journal for architectsthen it will attract a more qualified candidate.
Professional magazines also have news about companies that are expanding, opening new branches or recruiting.
Referrals
Many companies ask their own employees if they know any suitable candidates for vacancies. So it is worth while mentioning to your previous managers or work colleagues that you are looking for employment.
Recruitment agencies
Register with one or with many and save time by letting them do the searching for you. These are especially useful if you have specialist skills that are in demand. Many employers only use recruitment agencies to advertise their vacancies through.
When you register you will be asked specific questions about your skill sets and the types of work you are looking for. You can sign up with as many agencies as you want.
Send out your CV
Make a list of potential employers, get the details of their HR departments and send your CV to all of them.
Career fairs
These are usually held across the country in convenient locations and are excellent opportunities to find vacancies, especially entry level jobs for graduates. In a very short period of time you can meet face to face with key HR personnel and representatives from many recruiting companies.
Networking
Remember many jobs are never advertised and are filled by word of mouth or through contacts. Work hard in getting to know people who can help you, below is a list of networking tips:
- Approach companies directly and send out your CV to as many HR departments as possible. Visit events and conferences and try to make contact with key decision makers. Find relevant groups on social networking sites and contact them.
- Make a list of friends or people you know and contact them, for instance your doctor, previous work colleagues or your solicitor.
- In networking first impressions count, so make sure your communication skills are good.
- In networking you should never ask directly for a job.
- Keep organised and plan in detail how you will approach people face to face and go over what you can offer them.
Related topics: