Stop Applying for Jobs - Do These 5 Things Instead

Being involved in the recruitment industry for five years now, I love watching someone take the next step in their career. I witness job searches every day and 95% of people are doing it wrong. I think you should adopt a new method for finding and landing your next position.

Let’s explore my top five methods for finding your dream role. If you’re finding the apply-for-every-job-on-Seek technique isn’t bringing you much luck, it can’t hurt to try these..

#1 Research

If I asked you the one company you dream of working for, who is it?

(Mine is Atlassian, pity I can’t code to save my life).

Consider these things: a cause you’re passionate about, a culture you’d love to be part of, a vision you could really add value to. Start there. Identify your top five and visit their careers pages. What’s on right now? Where do you submit an expression of interest?

Think about why you want to change from your current role, what’s missing and where will you find it?

Write it all down somewhere. Then..

#2 Pick up the phone

For the love of God, pick up the phone and call them. Do NOT send an email or InMail only to never follow up. I cannot stress this enough, I promise you, your verbal communication skills will help you secure your next position. Leave a voicemail and follow up with an email. Call again in a week. Don’t stop until you’re served with an AVO.

#3 Network

Now, this shouldn’t be something you do JUST when looking for a role change. We live in a very small world and everyone in your industry knows everyone. Leverage the networks you’ve spent years developing and ask for referrals. Ask questions, talk to everyone. Who do you know that’s recently changed jobs - where did they interview? Which recruiters did they meet? Don’t be shy to ask the question.

A recruiter’s job is to master their market, the good ones actually know what they’re talking about and will work with choice employers. (If you’d like me to help you find an expert in your field, I’m more than happy to). Call them. Leave a message. Don’t stop until that AVO lands on your doorstep.

#4 Update your resume and online presence

The reality is, in 2016, the way you portray yourself on social media will have either a direct or indirect impact on your job search. Your LinkedIn profile should be current and please, keep it professional with your profile photo. (No SnapChat filtered images PLEASE) (I can’t believe it’s come to this).

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: if you wouldn’t want your 80 year old granny seeing it, your potential employer shouldn’t see it either. If you absolutely MUST keep those compromising photos from so-and-so’s Hen’s night, make all of your profiles completely private. It seems simple but can often be overlooked. I’d hate for you to miss out on your next role because of something so trivial.

#5 Stay positive

It’s tough. You are exceptional at what you do and you will find your dream job. It’s probably not going to happen overnight, but it will happen. Don’t settle, be patient and always stay positive. There are people who have to work for Donald Trump, so, whatever your situation, it could be worse. 

What are your best tips for landing your dream job? I'd love to hear them. 

Originally posted on mandakosmas.com