Job hunting the Tweenjo way

In a way it's now very easy to find jobs to apply for. You're only a few clicks away from thousands of job listings, and a few more keystrokes away from sending an application to various employers. But think about the state of the market. In March 2009 according to the TUC there were 10 job seekers for every advertised job vacancy, compared to 4 a year ago. That means your'e really going to have to stand out from the crowd. So here's our take on applying for jobs.

Consider new ways to hunt jobs

There are lots of different ways to find jobs. Here are the main ones:

1. Using internet job sites - register with one of the numerous job sites - see 'Pick of the job sites'
2. Visiting your local JobCentre
3. Responding to ads in the press or online
4. Registering with recruitment agencies
5. Networking - asking friends, family and other contacts if they know of vacancies and can recommend you
6. Making speculative contact with employers - sending your CV to employers or phoning them up to ask for work
7. Doorstepping - visiting employers

We recommend choosing more than one of these methods, but not so many that you lose focus. So which methods should you go for?

Use the methods with the highest chance of success

The methods that are right for you really depend on the type of work that you are applying for. Our tips are:

• Avoid your competition. If a job is advertised you can be sure that it will attract a large number of applicants. Immediately your chances of success are reduced. But if you phone up or visit an employer before a job is advertised you'll have a much better chance of getting work. See our Hiring Board for companies that have announced plans to take on more people. Try methods 5-7.
• Find an opportunity to sell yourself. It's very difficult to sell yourself in a CV and covering letter. You will be able to make much more impact if you meet an employer in person, speak to them on the phone or if someone recommends you. That way they'll remember you. Try methods 5-7.
• Remember the power of the recommendation. Employers tend to look to people they know when hiring. Often they will look first internally within their company, then to people recommended by their contacts, and only after that will they consider advertising a role or using an agent. Try method 5.
• Cast your net wide. The trouble with the more impactful job hunting methods is that, unless you are incredibly well networked and resourceful, they will not reach all of the relevant vacancies. You sometimes need to go with the masses. Try methods 1-4.
• Follow the system where you have to. Often employers have to follow a strict process when recruiting to show that they are being fair. This especially applies in the public sector. Sometimes responding to ads and listings is the only option. Try methods 1-4.

Choose the jobs you apply for carefully

A literary agent once told us about the lengths people go to to get him to read their manuscripts; he receives hundreds every week. One aspiring writer had released a puppy in his office with a manuscript tied to its back. But the book was a dud and not in his field of publishing, so that was the end of that. So do what you can to make your CV and yourself seen. But remember you need to show you know what the job is all about and that you're right for it. This means finding the right jobs to apply for.

In our view, it's really important to spend some time thinking about what you're good at, what you enjoy doing and where you want to end up. There are lots of resources on the internet to help you find the right career for you. If you do this successfully you'll come in to interviews sounding a lot more passionate and enthusiastic about the work, and improve your chances of success no end.

The internet is changing the game

At first the internet was used in job hunting to connect job hunters with vacancies through listings and search. Throw everything in the pot and hopefully people will make the right connections. But now it's becoming a much more powerful tool in the job hunt. You can see that we strongly believe in the power of busines networking. It doesn't matter if you work as a shop assistant or a board director: knowing people in your industry always helps find work. Today, you can network on the internet. LinkedIn is the leader in this field though there are also specialist networks such as Workology . If you are still in work when you read this it is well worth building up your network before you leave.

 

Which job hunting methods have worked for you? See the our forum.