If you are hunting for a new job at the moment you may be forgiven for feeling a little downhearted at the process. With many more applicants than vacancies it can be a tough and challenging process. Here are a few tips to help you in your job search.
Job search tip 1. Look at the upside – a new job can be the gateway into a whole new life. You may be changing location, improving your income and making a whole new bunch of friends. It may be the catalyst to exercise more, change your lifestyle and renew your outlook on life. So don’t think of applications as a chore, instead see them as a ticket to something new and exciting, with much better odds of success than any lottery.
Job search tip 2. Don’t take it personally – if you are unsuccessful, recruiters are not rejecting you as an individual. Most likely they have never met you or never will. It’s more constructive to think that someone else was better suited and move on. It can be a numbers game, the more applications you make, the more likely you are to be successful.
Job search tip 3. Treat each application as brand new. The recruiter doesn’t need to know that this is the thirty fifth application you have made this month. Approach each one as a new opportunity with enthusiasm and positive energy. Someone will be successful and it’s most likely that they will be enthusiastic as well as qualified for the position.
Job search tip 4. Get in state. Are you trying to write at the kitchen table surrounded by noise and distractions? Find a place where you won’t be disturbed, and perhaps play some quite background music. Then get excited about the opportunity, imagine yourself in the role and say to yourself or out loud – I can do this, I can get this job! Then complete your application in one sitting if you can. Leave it a while then return to edit and polish it up.
Job search tip 5. Give yourself the best chance. I recently heard of a part time book keeper’s job which attracted over 2000 applicants. The employer was a small firm and did not have the manpower to deal with that level of applicants. The first cut was made with anyone who made a spelling or basic grammar error. These may have been typos or mistakes resulting from a lack of care yet disqualified over 50% of applicants at the first stage. Make sure you give yourself the best chance by checking and double checking your application for errors.
Job search tip 6. Don’t sell yourself short. Typically the better paid the job, the fewer the applicants. People discount themselves by sticking to what they think they are worth or just below. As time passes there is a tendency to apply for less well-paid jobs until you are competing at minimum wage. Then ironically, you may be unsuccessful for being over qualified.
Job search tip 7. Never give up, never give up. At times finding a new job can seem like a long and hopeless task. Don’t fall into this trap, instead stay positive and optimistic. There are new ways of using your social media networks as well as other groups to tap into opportunities. Have you put the word out that you are available for something new? Each day brings a fresh start and with optimism and perseverance good times are just around the corner.
Good luck and please share your successes with others in our community by leaving a comment below:
