So you are searching for a job and you realize that you are off to a slow start. Even worse, for some reason, you could be stuck in your current job. The truth of the matter is that the job market is tight and you could need more than just the usual tactics as networking, resumes and interviewing techniques to sail through.
Some career paths require more than a single qualification for you to be employable. For instance, for you to be a business analyst, you require additional knowledge in disciplines such as computer science, business management, and information systems. Employers are even keen to look at certification from professional bodies to ensure that you are fully fit for the job.
Regardless of the career path that you choose, you will need to have some Helpful Job Hunting Tips at your fingertips. Check out some tips below:
Do your networking close to your home
In essence, this implies that you seek out to family, friends and close relatives first. Employers constantly receive job application requests from employees in the organization. Therefore, knowing somebody who works at the organization can be an excellent way to get you started. Recent studies tend to suggest that hiring through referrals is more credible and quality employees are hired.
Make use of job search queries
Often, fresh graduates spend a lot of time on online job searches. Whereas this is some effort geared towards the right direction, there is a slim chance that you will get a job using this technique. Instead of spending your energy on search engines, utilize job search queries where you set and save searches using keywords. The engine emails you results based on your search. An outstanding advantage is that the engine will peruse all the job openings around the internet. Consequently, you will get results based on your skills, interests and expertise.
Leverage on your career office
Most learning institutions have a site where they post job openings. The career office is also responsible for organizing workshops and career fairs. This means that such offices are better connected and they receive most job vacancies that are relevant (I.e. entry level jobs). Therefore, if you are a recent graduate or waiting to graduate, this is an office whose services you will find indispensable.
Further, the same office can connect you to the alumni who have graduated and are employed in various fields. As such, you can easily get direct links to companies or the job sector that you are interested in.
Negotiate your salary
Negotiating a decent salary is a hurdle for most people. Young job seekers especially undergraduates and recent graduates find it an intimidating task to claim what is rightfully theirs. You may not be able to get much out of negotiating for your pay but the skill learned here is vital as it is a learning process for you. In fact, you will be surprised that most job openings require you to fill out the expected salary in the application section.
The strategies mentioned above will get you started and make your search less exhaustive. Be focused and consistent in your endeavors and you will be surprised at the opportunities that will land at your feet.