Find the right jobs for you

The best way to search for jobs is to use a wide variety of job search methods and channels. In addition to public job postings, it is worth paying attention to the possibilities presented by your networks and hidden vacancies.

Job search methods and channels

Job searching is not just a mechanical process – it is also a social exercise. There are multiple channels to explore to find vacancies: public job postings, recruitment consultants and hidden vacancies that you can learn about through your networks or word of mouth.

Employers recruit a significant proportion of their workforce through networks, which is why it is important to leverage you references and existing contacts. Be proactive in maintaining and expanding your networks and help others to do the same. There are multiple channels to explore to find vacancies: public job postings, recruitment consultants and hidden vacancies that you can learn about through your networks or word of mouth.

Set goals for your job search journey:

1. Identify your goals.
2. Give yourself deadlines for achieving your goals.
3. Select the job search channels that are the most likely to work in your circumstances.
4. Review your progress at regular intervals and adjust your approach if necessary.

Seeking out hidden vacancies is a worthwhile investment

Keep an eye out for potential vacancies before they are even advertised. Offer your expertise directly to employers by, for example, submitting an open application, and strive to identify or create needs in organisations.

Look up information proactively: get to known organisations and reach out to them. This can allow you to find job opportunities before they are posted on job sites. Seeking out hidden vacancies is especially useful when there are few jobs available and a lot of competition.

Informational interviews can help with the job search process

Informational interviews are a good way to learn more about different roles, employers and job opportunities. Find an individual who works in a position or organisation that interests you and ask them to tell you about their job. Most people like talking about their experiences and views.

Examples of questions that you can ask:

• What are your duties and responsibilities at work?
• What kinds of skills do you need in your job?
• What are the pros and cons of your job?
• What kinds of skills does your organisation value?
• What advice would you give me if I wanted to work in your organisation?
• Who should I get in touch with next?

Exercise 1: Reaching out

1. Prepare a list of people, organisations and industries that you find interesting. Divide them into three groups:
   A: the most interesting
   B: potentially interesting
   C: other possibilities

• Look for background information.
• What does the organisation do and what kinds of jobs do they have?
• How does the organisation recruit new people?
• What is happening in the organisation at the moment (news, projects, other current affairs)?
• Look for potential contact persons on the organisation’s website or on LinkedIn.

2. Identify your reason for reaching out.

• Are you primarily looking for information (e.g. informational interview) or potential job opportunities?
• Who should you contact? Do you already know someone in the organisation?

3. Plan your approach. Prepare a schedule of contacts or draft an informational interview.
4. Reach out to the people on your list and make notes of the conversations.

Exercise 2: Expand to new job search channels

1. Make a list of the channels that you currently use to look for jobs (e.g. job sites, LinkedIn)
2. Add at least three new channels or methods to your list:

• networks (former colleagues, supervisors, friends)
• direct contacting of organisations
• events, fairs or webinars
• LinkedIn groups or other communities

3. Select two channels or methods to try over the next two weeks.

Exercise 3: Prepare your personal job search plan

1. Set yourself a clear goal.

• What kinds of jobs interest you?
• How actively should you look (e.g. X applications per week)?

2. Prepare a weekly schedule.

• looking for vacancies
• sending applications
• networking/contacts

3. Track your progress.

• How well is your plan working?
• What should you change?