Job Search – 5 Basic Things People Often Forget

Whether or not you’re a recent graduate just entering the labour force or, a tenured employee looking for a fresh start, job searching is nothing to be scoffed at. Finding yourself a job is not as simple as meeting the requirements listed in a particular job description. On the contrary, getting started on your job search journey will inevitably bring a wide variety of challenges and rewards that must be taken in to consideration beyond just what skills you bring to the table.

Having a positive attitude is absolutely fundamental in this process as the entire process will be an irreplaceable learning experience, enabling you to gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience. That being said, we at ClicBye have put together some essential tips that job seekers often forget while job searching for their dream position in 2020.

1. Set Goals and Make An Action Plan

This can’t be stressed enough, if you want to be successful, take some time to think about where you currently find yourself in life today and, where you want to be in 1,2,3 or more years in the future. You want to use this time to reflect about the things you would like to do or accomplish, what your strengths and weaknesses are as well as (if applicable), some roles you previously held that you had any particular likes or dislikes for.

Once you take a sufficient amount of time for this process you will have gained a measure of clarity of purpose. This will enable you to be able to describe the specific type of job you want which would inevitably lead you to create a list of companies that meet your newly discovered ‘best-fit’ guidelines.

2. Networking, Networking, NETWORKING!

If the title of this section didn’t clarify the importance of networking and getting connected in an effective job search strategy,  pay attention to what’s coming next!

The most straightforward approach to job search networking would be to try attending business social or local association events. Going to these events will lead to you finding that most if not all of the participants have the same objectives (goals) in mind and would be more than happy to exchange contact details with you. It’s important to keep in mind that leaving positive impressions on those you meet at these events should be your top priority. The individuals that you meet  may not have the exact same career goals as you do however, they may come to know of useful information to assist you in your job search.

While in-person networking is important, you must not neglect taking your job search online, below are just two of the innumerable ways to use the Internet to facilitate a more far-reaching network of platforms augment your job search:

• • Job Listings, found on job boards such as our own on ClicBye.com, will put thousands of recruitment ads at your fingertips. These sites can greatly increase your  ability to find opportunities that match the requirements for your dream job.
  • Social media platforms are an amazing way to get an inside look to potential employers.  With Facebook and LinkedIn as an example, you can visit potential employers corporate pages to get a more behind-the-scenes look of their activities. These platforms would not only give you a feel of  their corporate culture but, it would also give you access to additional career information.

3.  Do Your Research Before You Apply

If you find a job that you are interested in, read it thoroughly. Seriously, read it! Get it printed out on paper, pull out a highlighter and go over it. Go the organization’s website – don’t forget the “About” section as it would give you a lot of information pertaining to the organization’s mission, mandate and corporate values. Here are 6 things we at Clicbye.com believe you should research before any job interview:

• The experiences and skills that the company you are applying to values

• Important figures within the company i.e. department directors and/or C-level executives

• The type of clients the company serves, the products it sells and the services it offers

• The company’s culture, mission and value statements

• Any recent news and events that the company participated in
• And last but not least, the person that is interviewing you

4. Be Professional

There are many facets to being professional while applying for a job and so, we will explore just 3 of the more pertinent ways you can do to be professional while applying for a job.

• Establish a personal, yet respectful relationship but don’t go too far. During your job search it is important to always maintain a degree of professionalism, especially when actively attending local hiring events and engaging with potential bosses/co-workers. It goes without saying that you are more likely to be hired if the person conducting your interview likes you as a person.

• Use the appropriate methods of communication. This can’t be stressed enough! Depending on your potential employer and/or the jobs description, use communication channels that they themselves suggest. That is, if they mention that they do not want you to drop off your resume, don’t come in and drop off your resume. Following the same train of thought, if you come across other methods of contacting them such as a personal email or phone number, don’t do it.

• Clean up your social media presence! This is by far the most relevant tip considering the times we are in now. With the rise of social media, it must be understood that any and all things you post to the internet is subject to criticism. Even if you don’t mention or share your social media profiles with your recruiters, most recruiters try finding the applicants that they are interested in online. As this is now becoming more of a common practice, we recommend that prior to starting your job search you clean up your online presence. You may not think that a friend tagging you at a late night party with a bunch of friends drinking alcohol could do any harm but it can.

5. Don’t Be Discouraged, Perseverance Is The Key!

Never let yourself be discouraged. If you fail to get hired, try again. Job searching is never easy, on the contrary, it is one of the most difficult phases of your professional life. It is a time where you have to fully understand yourself, your goals and aspirations in life and that isn’t straightforward in the slightest.

Remember that each door closed takes you closer to finding one that is open. Keep a positive attitude, learn from your shortcomings and find your dream job!