Job Hunting Strategies

Job Hunting Strategies Pesewa Presentations

Starting point • How did you find your last job? • What is your next move? • Same sector, development of current role • Same sector, different role • Similar role, different location/sector • Career change

The “Unseen Jobs Market” • Making direct speculative approaches • Using networking in job search

Direct Speculative Approaches – Step by Step • Identify your target employers / sector • Write / rewrite your CV to emphasise the skills and experience relevant to these employers • Send your CV with a covering email / letter (ideally to a named individual) – focus is on what you can offer and why you are interested in them, not just what you want. • The “hit rate” may not be high – don’t give up!

Using networking in job seeking • Who do you know? • Who do they know? • Who from this “network” might be able to give you advice and information on your target career move?

Friends of colleagues Former colleagues COLLEAGUES Family Friends MY PARTNER Family Colleagues FAMILY CLUB CONTACTS ME Friends of friends E-MAIL GROUPS FRIENDS NEIGHBOURS Colleagues of friends Friends of neighbours Colleagues of neighbours

Steps for successful networking – making the approach • Decide on most appropriate way to contact them • Respect their time • Mention the person who referred you • Be clear about what you hope to gain • Ask for a short meeting / telephone discussion

Steps for successful networking – getting the most out of the discussion • Note down your agenda in advance • Keep to the time agreed • Remember you are asking for advice and information – not a job in the company • Ask them if they have further contacts who may be able to help you • Thank them for their time • Keep them informed of your progress

Your action plan • My target career/job is…… • My sources of opportunities: • Advertised • Recruitment consultants • Direct speculative • Possible network contacts

Job Hunting Strategies