Job Hunting Techniques

Job hunting can be quite a challenge if you do not know what to do and where to begin. It’s a tedious process that can get frustrating, especially when it is your first time doing it. 

While there is no shortcut to finding the right job for you, having a strategy to follow when on a job hunt can significantly make the process much easier. You can seek advice from family, friends, and peers, or you can go on the internet to find the best tips that align with your goals. 

We live in a world with an abundance of information and the internet is filled with job hunting tips, tricks, and techniques, so we have gathered some of the best to help you out! Check out these expert tips on job hunting to help you create your own strategy: 

1. Understand what you want

The first thing you have to do when you decide to go on a job hunt is to understand what it is you really want. What kind of company do you want to work with? What position are you looking for? What working arrangements do you feel most comfortable with? 

These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself in order to fully understand what you should be looking for. You have to really take time to think about this because it is going to start creating the path you should be taking to get to the job you really want to have. 

2. Set your career goals

As soon as you identify what you want, the next step is to set your career goals. This will help you further narrow down your career choices and the companies you will send applications to. 

Think about where you want your career to lead you in the future. Consider the benefits you will be receiving, the compensation you will be getting, and the opportunities that you want to be exploring in the future. Remember that these are goals that you will begin with and they may change over time, so do not put too much pressure on yourself when setting them. 

3. Prepare the right documents

Generally, companies will be looking for a CV or Curriculum Vitae from you when you send an application. Your CV will tell them if you are qualified for the position or not, so you need to make sure you tailor it to every job you will send it to. Don’t just use one templated CV to send to everybody! 

Aside from your CV, you must also be prepared with a cover letter, recommendations, and other legal documents that recruiters may need in order to process your application.

4. Explore all of your opportunities

Back in the day, finding jobs meant going to establishments and asking about vacancies, picking up newspapers, and looking at different job boards. Today, everything can be done online, so you have to make sure you are not missing anything! 

Explore all of your opportunities and make use of every platform available to you. Utilize social media and sign up for job marketplaces like Impactable and visit company websites to see what they have available.

5. Take advantage of networking activities

Whether you are a first-time job seeker or a seasoned professional looking to explore the market, networking events are always a fantastic way to find great opportunities. Take advantage of local events like job fairs, seminars, and conferences, where many companies set up booths and announce their vacancies. 

Networking activities are also a great way to meet other professionals in the industry who can give you insights on the best companies to work with and share their experiences in job hunting. You get to mingle with like-minded people and you may even get referrals! 

6. Consider taking internships

Internships are a great way to gain knowledge and experience if it is your first time out on the job market. It will help you build your resume and find people who can write good recommendations that could help in your future applications. 

Many companies also believe that the best way to grow their business is by developing people from within, and give their interns the opportunity to transition into full-time employment if they perform well. If you land an internship in a company that does this, you save time and energy on sending out applications!

7. Build your skill sets

Regardless of experience, building your skill sets is a great way to get hired for a job you are applying for. This is something you can do while you are in the process of looking for your next job and it can show your next employer how determined you are in improving your craft. 

If you are just starting out, there are plenty of options online for you. You can take courses facilitated by organisations such as Impactable, where you get both the education and experience that you can use for future jobs. 

8. Take note of feedback

Once you start sending out your applications, you will be scheduled for a series of interviews and assessments. No matter what the results would be, make it a point to ask for feedback from your interviewer or assessor. 

Not all recruiters will provide feedback automatically, so you need to be proactive in asking for it. When you receive feedback, take note of each point, and think about how you can do better next time!

9. Do not hesitate to follow up

Many job seekers miss out on great opportunities because they hesitate to follow up on their job applications. There is an instant assumption that not hearing back from recruiters would mean they did not make the cut, but that is not always the case. 

Some companies are receiving thousands of applications and emails per day and your profile might have been overlooked. Follow up by thanking them for their time and giving you the opportunity to be screened for the position. You will never know what opportunities you’re missing out on if you do not follow up! 

10. Keep track of your applications

It is fairly normal to be sending out multiple applications at once, especially when you are actively looking for a job. Keep track of your applications so you won’t make the mistake of sending multiple applications to the same company. 

Tracking your applications will also help you remember which companies to follow up with, in case you do not hear back from them when they said they would get back to you.

If you are still unsure about how you will begin your job hunt, do not fret. There are organisations like Impactable that can help you! 

Impactable is a platform designed to help individuals prepare themselves for the job market. We can provide you with the support you need, from learning the necessary skills to preparing yourself for the actual application process. 

Sign up for an Impactable account today and begin your career the right way!