Kicking ass in the job hunt

Job hunting in the current economic climate is not easy. It took me three weeks to find a job, but it could have taken me a lot longer. I have jotted down some ‘rules’ for job hunting which kept me focused...

1.       Stay in your current job if you can possibly help it whilst job hunting. This is tough, especially if you have a lot of other commitments, but if you are looking for a specific job, it’s best to have money coming in for as long as possible. However, if, like me, you haven’t got a specific position which you want to go for (or are going for a temp job) it may be ok to quit your old job first.

2.        Get going as soon as possible. I filled out my first job application the Monday after leaving my old job on Friday. It’s going to take a while. Don’t spend three days watching daytime TV- the novelty WILL wear off!

3.       Work out what is the lowest amount you can be paid to live on. Don’t take a lower paying job , unless you are able to fit another job round it (I don’t recommend this cos it’s tough – but can be done!)

4.      Don’t job hunt online in your pyjamas at midday.  Get up, do your household jobs, keep good hours. Then you won’t struggle when there is an interview at 9am in the next town.

5.      Be positive! There will be an employer will be able to use your skills, but it may take a little time.

6.      Work hard on your CV and your application. Think of it as a piece of coursework which has a deadline. Someone is going to see it and judge you on it. Remember they will also see perhaps 100 others so don’t make it crazy, but DO make it clear. Get help if you need it. The internet is a wealth of free knowledge.

7.      Don’t give up. I called after two days having sent in a CV and hearing nothing. It was just a polite call asking how my application was going, but I think it got me the job – they wanted someone with initiative.

8.       Enjoy the journey. Believe me, every time you work hard on CV, you’re improving your typing, proofreading, summary and presentation skills, for next time around!

I will be sharing tips for a fantastic interview in my next shiftlog...so check back soon