This is the second part of helpful guidelines of tips that can help your job search. We hope that these can help you and it’s up to YOU if you decide to use any of these helpful suggestions. Just remember that the most important thing is to be strong, positive and put the work in to achieve your goals.
- Keeping records. To help you monitor your job search efforts, you should record everything you do such as jobs applied for, CV’s sent out, networking efforts, interviews etc. It helps you not to apply for same job twice and see if your efforts are working or need help.
- Position yourself as a problem-solver. Employers want candidates that can address issues they have or can help them develop. "What am I able to do that can help this company be more successful?" Show them why hiring you is good for them.
- Motivation. It’s very important to stay motivated in the job search especially if going to a long one. Have friends and family who you can talk to and support you, exercise to rid yourself of frustrations, have a break (whether a day or afternoon) do fun activities. The more you stay motivated, the positive impact it will have on your efforts.
- Appearance matters. First impressions count in your job search. You must aim to always look professional for interviews, job fairs & networking in person. Not looking good will harm your chances. Ask yourself "Do I look like the kind of person I would hire?"
- Temporary employment or volunteering. Temporary or volunteer work are very good methods at either gaining new skills, keeping your current skill set up to date & testing whether certain jobs are for you. You may even make some new helpful connections to your job search network. It has also been known for both methods help you get into full time employment at times. Both have many positives that should be looked at especially if your job search is long one.
- Do your homework. Before you attend a job interview, you must always do your homework. Spend time finding out whatever you can about the company that’s interviewing you. Know their ethos, their projects both present & future, other work/projects they may be involved in. Be ready to talk about what the company does and connect your skills, qualifications, and attributes to the job requirements and the challenges the company is facing.
- Little things make a difference in interview. Arrive a few minutes early (10-15mins), be impeccably groomed, dress appropriately, handle yourself professionally and courteously from the moment you enter the building and make a confident, poised entrance into the interviewer’s room. Remember the proper etiquette for this occasion. One small mistake can cost you the interview.
- Enthusiasm & sell yourself! Interviews are the place that you should not be afraid to sell yourself (skills & achievements). Show them why you want & are ideal for the job. Be positive and confident. Avoid the common pitfall of giving canned, insincere answers to questions. Make sure your answers have passion and thought behind them.