By Iain Cummings
There are times when finding a job can seem impossible. However,
improving the techniques used to search for a job can dramatically
increase your chances of finding the right role for you.
Don't just rely on job advertisements
Many jobs will never be advertised. These 'hidden' vacancies will instead be filled through headhunting, word of mouth or internal advertising.
Many jobs will never be advertised. These 'hidden' vacancies will instead be filled through headhunting, word of mouth or internal advertising.
You should try to access these roles by contacting
and friends, family or other contacts within companies you wish to work
for. Don't underestimate the power of someone putting in a good word for
you.
Overhaul social media
Look at the way you use Facebook and other social networking sites.
Potential employers will often look for interviewees on social
networking sites, and the way you portray yourself may have an effect on
your job prospects.
If your Facebook page is filled with pictures
of you partying, this means you are friendly and sociable. But it may
also mean you could turn up for work late or hungover.
Is this the image you want to put forward to potential employers?
Instead,
you should vary what you put up on Facebook and similar sites. By all
means include some photos from a night out, but also include news of
sporting achievements, charity work, hobbies and your ambitions in the
workplace.
Tailor applications
Employers will receive lots of applications for each job, and will be looking for very specific skills and experience.
So
you should tailor your covering letting and CV to each employer. It may
be tempting to have a generic covering letter template for each job,
especially if you are applying for a large number of roles.
However, this will not appeal to potential employers, and could do more harm than good.
Find a reputable employment agency
Ideally, an employment agency should offer you support. You may be
able to help you with mock interviews and structuring your CV.
Your agency should match you to potential employers who come to them to fill roles that match your skills.
Also, avoid any employment agencies that charge you for their service.
Use rejection
If you are turned down for a job, you can still use this as an opportunity to improve your chances to find the right role.
Ask for feedback from the employer, whether you were rejected after an interview, or before you reached this point.
While
some will not offer anything you can use, some feedback may give you
the ideas you need to improve your interview technique, CV or covering
letter.
Your job search technique is vital to finding the right job. You should follow these tips to improve your prospects.
Avenue Recruitment are an experienced employment agency, and offer excellent support to job hunters and employers. Check www.avenuescotland.co.uk to find the latest temporary and permanent jobs.