Still looking for that job? Fed up of searching job boards and picking up the local paper only to find the same positions listed week in, week out? Fear not – there are ways you can reignite your job hunt.
Broadening your horizons while job hunting may feel a little scary – pointless, even – but in doing so you’ll open up so many more opportunities and may just stumble across the job of your dreams.
In this post, we’ve got 5 great tips for broadening you horizons when searching for a job.
1. Revise your CV
If you last updated your CV several months ago and have been searching for a job ever since, this innocuous document may be one of the main reasons you’re failing to find anything.
If you’re listing your past employment and achievements chronologically, try a different order by switching to a functional format. By doing so, you’ll be able to provide an extensive list of your professional skills first and foremost and a lighter account of your employment history further down. This may be better for engaging certain recruiters.
2. Don’t wait for job adverts
Internet job search websites and recruitment sections in the local papers don’t tell the whole story. The truth is, the job you want may well be out there somewhere – it just isn’t being advertised.
Be diligent with your research and sniff out companies you’d like to work for. Start following them on social media and make contact. Be bold – ask if there is the opportunity to pop in and chat about potential work opportunities. You’ll be surprised by how many ‘yeah, sure – pop in’ responses you get.
3. Reinvent yourself
You may have spent ten years doing something and feel you’re pretty proficient at it, but if the jobs aren’t coming, you may have to concede that demand for your particular skill set isn’t that great.
There’s no use crying over spilt milk, though. What else are you good at? Consider reinventing yourself by promoting your skills with a particular hobby rather than the type of job you’ve previously been trained to perform.
4. Join an association
By joining a professional association in the industry you’re targeting, you’ll gain an insight into the inner workings of businesses within that sector. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet with influencers and potential employers at events.
Which brings us on to the next point…
5. Network
Now you’re the member of an association or two, networking opportunities should spring up regularly. Attend seminars, exhibitions and make a name for yourself by asking questions at panel discussions.
Networking is a powerful tool when job hunting and, a bit like those hidden jobs you’ll only ever find by reaching out to companies directly, it gives you the opportunity to get face-to-face with employers who didn’t know they needed you until you crossed paths.
Summary
There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect job’, so if you’re trying to find it, stop straight away. Instead, focus on the ideal job and use the tips above to sniff out positions which you may otherwise miss when searching the same, tired job boards.