The common saying that looking for employment is a full-time job holds a lot of weight. It takes a lot of effort and energy to keep your search up, especially when it feels like things aren’t moving.
If you need help with your job hunt, there are three places you can turn to in order to get a boost.
LinkedIn is far more than just a site that keeps you up to date on the career changes of your friends and colleagues. Increasingly, companies and recruiters both use LinkedIn as a means of finding potential candidates and making important business connections, and you should be using LinkedIn to search for your next job, too.
If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, you need to get one. If you do have one, you need to make sure you’re maximizing your potential on the site. Actively like and share content from companies that you’re interested in. If you’re applying for a job, send a message to the person responsible for hiring to go along with your application. Additionally, if you have any questions about a company or a recruiting process, reach out over LinkedIn. It’s a great way to build relationships that can be fruitful later on.
Niche Databases
Your job search likely includes mass online databases that show you all the recent listings in your area. Job boards such as Monster or Workopolis can be useful tools in your search, but it’s important that you extend your reach beyond these general listings.
A great resource for finding jobs is niche databases that pull together listings for specific industries or positions. There are numerous benefits to using niche job boards on your job search. First, it will allow you to significantly pare down the number of jobs you sort through to find those that you’re qualified to apply for. You can end up wasting a lot of time and energy when you’re going through large numbers of job postings that are irrelevant to your career interests.
Secondly, many companies are in the habit of ignoring large, general databases anyways. If companies with a specific set of requirements posts a listing on a site like Workopolis, they’ll likely be inundated with applications, many of which won’t meet the basic requirements. On the other hand, posting on niche databases far increases their chances of finding a smaller but more qualified group of applicants, saving them time and making their hiring process significantly easier.
Staffing Agencies
For many people, the typical vision of how their job search will unfold doesn’t include using a staffing service. People imagine applying for a wide range of jobs, securing a number of interviews, and getting hired.
But for anyone who has been on the job hunt for an extended period of time will know, the reality isn’t always so straightforward. Finding a job can be incredibly difficult. In a way, it requires its own special set of skills. Working with a staffing agency can completely turn your job search around. The recruiters at staffing agencieshave those employment-finding skills that you need to find the right position. They have years of experience in placing people in jobs they are well suited for.
If there’s something amiss with your job search strategy, they can help you rectify any issues. They run you through practice interviews while also ensuring that your resume and cover letter are in top condition.
Recruiters also have a great deal of connections within a variety of industries. Many companies rely on recruiters to find them the best employees, and when you reach out to a staffing agency, its recruiters may know of a vacancy that would be right for you. Getting professional advice and assistance is really the best way of tackling any issues you might be facing in your job search.
