Want a new job but not sure where to start? Don’t be overwhelmed – follow these tips

If you’re currently employed, studying, running a household, looking after kids or just plain busy, then you’re like the rest of us – short on time.

Unfortunately, hunting for a new job is a complex, time-consuming process. Here are some tips to help you plan out your search strategy for a new job, find your next job opportunity, and apply for it.

1.  Decide what you want in a new job, and find out about it. Spend 20 minutes a day, for at least a week, researching current jobs and advertised positions.

2.  Set up an email account dedicated to your new job search. Keep it professional, simple and straightforward, ideally including your name. Avoid using slang, inappropriate language or too many numbers in your email address.

3.  Dedicate one hour over a weekend to set up accounts for your new job search and register your details with careers websites, online job boards, and recruitment company websites. This is repetitive and may be boring, but it’s quicker and easier to register your details in multiple places at once. Keep your requirements consistent, make sure your details such as phone number and email address are accurate, and sign up to receive new job opportunities sent to your inbox.

4.  Research and identify recruitment companies, especially those who specialise in the field or industry that you are looking for a new job. Break this process down into small daily activities – during your lunch break or morning coffee break, call one company and ask to speak to a recruiter who specialises in your area. Set up a time to meet with them.

5.  Making time to meet with recruiters is important. If you work full time, you may want to consider taking a day off from your work commitments. Alternately, many recruiters will meet clients after hours for new job interviews.

6.  Make sure you have an intelligent, persuasive resume to give to recruiters and use for new job applications online. Your resume should profile you accurately, highlight your expertise and achievements in measurable terms, and ensure you stand out from the crowd.

7.  Networking, online and offline, is a key part of searching for a new job. There are a certain percentage of jobs that aren’t advertised, and the only way to access these opportunities is to network. Write a concise profile on LinkedIn and actively seek connections, join a professional group focused on your sector, and make an effort to attend conferences. You can also network through taking up classes or getting involved in volunteer work. Decide which activity appeals to you most, and make a commitment to sticking with it for at least a month.

If all this makes sense to you but you still feel overwhelmed and rushed off your feet in your new job search, contact your nearest Successful Resumes branch. We’ll help you get that resume and cover letter ready to send off, provide advice and interview coaching, and even create networking tools for you to use in your new job search such as an optimised LinkedIn Profile or our exclusive Pocket Resume.