The big job hunt: pt2

Read pt 1 here

THE HUNT

1. JOBSEEKERS & INDEED ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Jobseekers is a list of jobs that are updated daily that are provided by the jobcentre plus. I also recommended Indeed that few people have heard of but list jobs hourly and are frequently updated. Some of the jobs on there seem quite random and are skill specific but there are the odd glimmers that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

2. APPLY FOR JOBS YOU WANT

So often we click apply, fill in a form, send off our CV and we’re done. Then we get a call back and gulp, forgetting that we’ve actually applied for said job in a place we definitely wouldn’t have purposefully chosen to apply for had we read the listing properly. Be cautious and wise with your job choice. If you apply for a job you cannot see yourself working in or in a place you cannot get to then don’t apply. If you did get a call back or even a job interview/offer you may not enjoy yourself and are more likely to quit or it may lead to disappointment. Whilst applying for jobs is important to ‘go for it’ there comes a point where you do have to be selective and watchful. If you’ve applied for a job as a painter but don’t like painting, fumes or physical work then you’ll probably feel disheartened and not enjoy it in the longrun.

3. GET EXPERIENCE

Experience is key to be able to talk about on your CV and interview so whilst you’re waiting to hear back from a job it is best to look into experience or volunteering opportunities nearby. Not only does this give you something to do rather than continually clicking on job sites but it gives you a better insight into the job industry, helps you interact with customers and also gives you relevant information to talk about and bring up in the future. Vinspired and your local government are good places to look for experience.

4. OLD FASHIONED CV DISTRIBUTING

It worked in the past and it can still work now. There are some ‘local’ stores that aren’t big chains that take on people based on handing in CVs rather than online applications. Have your CV prepared in a little see-through slippery file or an envelope and, if you’re feeling brave, ask to speak to the manager. Not only does this make it personal but you know that you’re CV’s going directly to them.

5. USE TECHNOLOGY

This is key. With a lot of companies now on facebook and twitter and other social networking sites it’s always good to look around, tweet people and display an interest. It might seem a far stretch but quite a few people have found jobs online that were advertised via a website. Remember the name social network hence make the most of networking available to you.