Job hunting can seem like the most boring and daunting task you've set yourself, especially in this market. It can get to the point where you get so frustrated that you want to give up or say, "What's the point?" The trick to finding work in today's market is to be versatile. Don't follow the same outdated standards that everyone has been doing for centuries. Chances are, the people who preach these concepts are the ones who got us into this situation in the first place! Branch out and try new tactics that have proven extremely useful for many candidates, and learn how to use all your time searching for a job instead of sending out resumes for an hour and moving on to other things. Check out these 10 hot tips for finding a job in today's market:
1) Read Trade Journals – By reading trade journals, you will stay up-to-date on the latest information and trends in your field. Many of these trade magazines even publish current job openings. Stay in the game by being knowledgeable and also find out who is currently hiring.
2) Take a course – It may sound strange, but taking a course, even if it is not related to your job, can help you in your job search. If you take a course that deals with your typical field, you will be as current, if not more, than everyone else in the field and can improve your CV. If you're taking an unrelated course, it's ideal as a networking springboard, or it can open your eyes to another field you've been wanting to explore.
3) Get Online – Even if you spend all that time sending out your resumes and searching job boards, why stop there? Don't shut down your computer before it even starts up. Having somewhere to direct people if they read your bio or just go out and network. Sign up for LinkedIn, Naymz and Facebook...but beware! Don't post content you don't want to be seen.
4) Get a hobby – Hobbies are great for exploring other areas of interest. You may find that you enjoy working on cars and decide to become a mechanic. It is also a great stress reliever.
5) Volunteering – Not only does volunteering help with networking, but it also helps you feel productive and useful.
6) Make a list of companies - Instead of seeing what's out and what's open, start making a wish list of companies you'd like to work for. Check if you have any contacts at these companies and ask them what it's like to work there.
7) Go to group meetings – Not only can being around those in your field be mentally uplifting, but you can also meet new people who are currently working in your field and encourage networking.
8) Networking, Networking, Networking Did we say networking? The most effective tool for job hunting is networking. Keep up with all your contacts and don't bother them just because of vacancies. Ask them how they are or grill them. No one likes a pest who is only looking to take, take, take.
9) Contact recruiters - Don't just wait for someone to call you back. Call recruiters and start building relationships. Make sure they know your name and what you can do. Get in front of them and find out what's going on.
10) Take a break and do something else - Even though you may feel like you're slacking off, sometimes it's good to give your mind a break...BUT...that doesn't mean we're not thinking about the job search all the time! As? While you're doing the most random things, you might find that something motivates and pushes you that you never thought of before. That "something" could be your next profession.
