How to perform an effective job search

Searching for a new job is difficult. Sometimes it can be hard. It doesn’t matter if you live in Cyprus or anywhere else in the world. It can be a daunting task that will stress you mentally for some time. Especially if you are not just looking for something else or something better but you are in need for another job.

So, what’s the best way to start a job search? What will make you different from other candidates and get you the position when you find it? We give you some tips that will make you more efficient and smooth out the process of job searching.

Take some time to think

To rush and apply for any and every job vacancy you find online might be a mistake. Take some time to think about where you’d be interested to work. What kinds of jobs you enjoy or maybe specific companies that you’ve been wanting to join for some time now? Think about your skills, past job experiences, accomplishments and interests. If you have a family and kids, take that into consideration.

Think about what you really want for your life and for your career and apply for jobs that are suitable for you. When you find a position that interests you, don’t let the long list of job requirements and qualifications scare you. That list doesn’t mean that you must fill all the criteria for the job. Most will do.

By doing your research and inner thinking, not only saves you time and trouble but will help you avoid unnecessary disappointments.

Plan for rejection

Even if you think that you are the best candidate for a vacancy that just popped up and that you have found your dream job, rejection is common. The job market is crowded with candidates with all sorts of skills and education backgrounds, that will make it rather unlikely to get hired from the first job interview.

The employer will most likely interview several candidates for that one dream position. If the answer is not the one you are expecting, try keeping a positive attitude and continue searching focused on your target.

Spend time on your resume

Your resume is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal for job hunting and therefore for the job applications that you will eventually do.

Write targeted resumes for the job positions you are applying for. Make your resume easy to read and clearly link your qualifications to the hiring criteria of the specific position.

Research shows that 1 in 5 recruiters will reject a candidate before even finish reading the candidate’s resume. To get your CV noticed you must include a tailored cover letter in every one of your applications. Employ the use of multiple resumes. Having several resumes might come handy if you are looking for different sectors and job positions.

Use your network

Connect with everyone you know. Let your friends, relatives, former classmates, professors and even colleagues know that you are looking for a job. Join professional organizations so you’ll have access to job listings, search newsletters, participate in online discussion boards and try to connect with as many people you can.

Social media nowadays make it easy to connect with everybody. You are probably already using Facebook and Instagram daily for fun. If you are not on LinkedIn, get on it now. That’s the primary professional network. Put that daily social media dosage to good use and make it work for your advantage.

Get an insider’s recommendation

Another effective way to get your dream job (connected to the previous tip) is to get recommended by someone who’s inside or close to a company you might be interested in. If you have a contact at an organization that you are interested in, don’t wait for the job position opening to be made. Especially if you know that you are qualified for that position or any position in that company already.

Try to contact or write to the person who will make the final hiring decision. A lot of job openings won’t be posted online and will be filled in internally in most companies. That means that they will be given to people recommended by someone already working in the company.

Go where companies go to hire

Most companies are posting their vacancies and seek for applicants via online job boards and job search sites. Some of the sites are generic and others cover niche job markets that depending on what you are looking for, they might be more suitable for your skills and have less competition.

For example, Cyprus Work covers the entire Cyprus job market. This is where you can find jobs in Cyprus from any sector and from any company looking to hire staff in Cyprus. On the other hand, JobsinForex.com covers the niche market of Forex and FinTech worldwide. Forex companies know that the site suits their more specific job needs and the audience / visitors are more likely to have the forex experience and skills they are looking for. Therefore, if you are in the Forex industry or want to get in, you can visit JobsinForex.com and search for a job in Forex.

There are many niche job boards. All you have to do is find the one that is most suitable for your own needs.

Use every job tool available

After finding the job sites you need to check, make sure they have modern tools for today’s job seekers and utilize them for making your job search easier and more efficient.

E.g. use the job alerts to get notified about vacancies in specific categories or locations, whenever they are posted without you having to visit and check the site daily.

Create a job seeker profile and have your resume ready to respond to advertised vacancies that are suitable for you as soon as they are posted. Companies will stop searching, and probably responding, as soon as they find the right candidate. So, time is very important here. Also, to increase your odds of success, use your cover letter (even if it’s virtual) to emphasize every requirement in the advertisement.

And don’t forget to personalize your respond and your application. Direct your job application to specific individuals. If in doubt, a phone call to the company will inform you about the appropriate names.

Prepare for the job interview

So, you finally managed to get the long-awaited call back from that prestigious Company. The job interview is the last but most important step before getting the job you’ve been searching for so hard.

Preparation is the key to succeeding. Spend time to learn everything about the company. Start by reading the company’s website and/or social media and talk to friends especially if you have an insider. Take time to think about your skills and accomplishments and answer possible questions. Don’t just think about the questions but practice them out loud. Some questions that the interviewer might ask you are to talk about yourself, to talk about the company, why you should be hired among others and why do you want the job.

It’s also very important to look your best. A good interview outfit can help with your confidence and ensure you are remembered. Find out about the company dress code and dress according to the company environment. Remember first impressions are lasting impressions.

Hopefully all the tips will make your job search more effective and help you get that job you’ve always wanted. Good luck!