How To Supercharge Your Job Search
I can promise you that obtaining a job is no accident. In order to obtain a new position you have to work hard and be committed. Here are the most common reasons people succeed in getting jobs whilst others don’t:
By Thinking Positive
Nobody ever got anything accomplished by having a negative attitude. Whilst there are many factors beyond your control, attitude is certainly the one that’s not. It’s not easy to be positive but it’s essential that you are.
By Getting Up An Hour Earlier
It’s too easy to get into a rut but it’s also easy to stay out of one. Getting up even earlier that you did when you were working is part attitude and part discipline. In essence does the early bird really catch the work? Well the answer is yes every time.
By Making One More Call
When you think you’re done for the day, make one more call or apply for one more job. That’s five more calls per week or five more applications. It adds up doesn’t it? Take it from an old Recruiter who understands the numbers game, this is where you gain an advantage.
By Asking Yourself – Who Else?
While you are networking keep thinking “Who else can help me?”. On the other side of the person you are networking with is a whole new network. There is always someone else. Always!
By Widening Your Thinking
What else are you capable of doing? An Accountant can be a Business Manager, a Receptionist can become a Business Support Officer. Whilst admittedly it’s a tough time to make career changes like this, there is no doubt it’s possible with a little creativity.
By Increasing Your Options
Don’t define your job search just by your past, by what you have done, think in terms of what you can do. In other words what are your transferable skills. Even in the worst of job markets there is always a demand for skills like communication, interpersonal, team building and administrative skills. Don’t limit yourself.
By Keeping Up Your Antennae Up 24/7
Every minute of the day is an opportunity to meet new people and to connect. Networking happens everywhere, not just professionally. So it can happen when you are out shopping, at a football match or in the library. You never know who you’re going to meet so stay alert.
By Expanding Your Resources
The Job Boards are good but there is so much more. Without question get yourself on LinkedIn, look at contacts who could help you. Also look at what Companies you’d like to work for and send them your CV just in case they have a job. Nothing ventured – nothing gained.
By Doing Temporary Work
This not only earns you money, but it’s also a smart job search strategy. Many people work on a temporary basis and many eventually get offered a permanent job. It also can get you into Companies you’d like to work for and is a good opportunity to ‘try before you buy’. This is a no-brainer.
By Being Active
The workplace will never again accommodate a passive job seeker, so be proactive and make things happen. Plan your research, target Companies, network and think victory all the time. As an old Chinese military strategist once said, “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war and then seek to win”.
So to finalise, recharge your batteries and get going. Make getting a job a full time job and I promise you won’t be unemployed for very long!