How to hunt jobs

[stanley clement]

You have decided to look for a new job. But, in the haste to land your
new job, you need to make sure that you have covered all the bases and
approach your job search in a patient and professional manner.

These 10 tips will make sure that your job chances stay on the right
track.

1. Develop a job search plan
The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true now as it has
ever been. If you know where you want to be and the job you want, it
is easier to get there. Therefore, split your job search into short-
and long-term goals and identify the actions you need to take in order
to reach them.

For example, will you need to develop new skills or gain a new
professional qualification? What methods are you going to use to find
a job: The Internet? Newspapers?

The more you know about your goals and the more ways you search for
your next job, the greater your chances of finding your ideal job.

2. List your achievements
Employers want to know if you have the skills and experience they are
looking for because they need to determine "What can this person do
for my business?" They want to see evidence of jobs you have done that
went above and beyond the basic requirements of your job role.

Look back over the last 12 months and pick out any notable successes
or special projects that you were involved in -- this can then be used
to show an employer when you are at interview stage. After all, if you
have a trumpet to blow then blow it.

3. Revamp your CV
Your CV is designed to do just one thing: to get you an interview. The
average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at
a CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell
yourself.

Acting as your personal shop window, your CV enables buyers
(employers) to see what you have to offer and good presentation is key
to attracting their interest.

Writing a winning CV can be a challenge. But, by putting the mileage,
in you will have a document that will make potential employers take
action and invite you for an interview.

4. Decide the type of company you want to work for
You spend almost 70 per cent of your time at work during the course of
a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture
that you can enjoy and thrive. And, that means targeting organisations
that match your goals and career values.

Luckily, many of the advertised jobs on CareerBuilder feature a link
to the recruiting company's profile which will enable you to get an
insight into their working environment.

After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on the same
exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in
haste.

5. Use the Web
OK, so you are already on the Web but are you really using it to your
advantage as a tool to help you get your next job? No? Then post your
CV online, create your own personal account on different job boards
and keep up to date with developments in your chosen field by reading
the online community pages which will also give information about
working in different sectors within your industry. Knowledge is power,
they say.

6. Network
Talk to friends, call old work colleagues and attend industry trade
shows or networking events. Networking may sound daunting but the more
events you attend the easier it becomes. And, the higher up the
corporate ladder you move the more and more everybody knows everybody
else and a referral from one of your contact could help your career.

7. Customise your CV and covering letter
It may seem tempting to simply cut and paste the same CV and covering
letter to several employers, but it could cost you in the long run.
Tailor your CV to the job you are applying and only include relevant
information that will demonstrate how your experience links to the
advertised position.

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure that
your CV has a marketing bias highlighting your experience in this
field.

8. Dress to impress
Shakespeare once said: "Apparel oft proclaims the man." Your image is
the outer reflection of your inner self allowing people to judge and
make assumptions of your personality and attitudes. Dressing
successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break your interview.

Dress for the job you want not the job you already have.

9. Stay positive and avoid neg-heads
Job seeking is never easy and there will be times when you will want
to give up and resign yourself to staying in your current job. But
don't give up.

Experts estimate that the average job search can last anywhere from
two to 10 months. So be patient and have the belief that you will find
your dream job just around the corner. As Henry Ford said: "If you
think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right."

10. Be good to yourself
Searching for a job is a job in itself and, unless you take a break
away from it, you could start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Don't
allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Allow time to relax with friends, listen to your iPod or go to the gym
and participate in activities that you enjoy. Clearing your mind and
replenishing your energy will enable you to resume your job search
feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.