If you are currently active on the labor market, you already know how difficult it is to find a job. Needless to say that, in this difficult economy world there’s a high level of unemployment rate identified in many countries, especially among fresh graduates. Young people with ages between 18 and 25 have no jobs in Europe, a worrying phenomenon in Europe, according to a recent summit organized in Brussels. The worst situations are in Spain and Greece where half of young adults are jobless.
While there is no secret or ideal formula to succeed, those who are lucky and land the job they’ve desired or dreamed of are doing things differently. Maybe a stroke of luck is also required, but I personally believe you need to work hard to get that job. Therefore, we have listed 10 inspiring ideas for a successful job search. So, what is that people to find a professional opportunity faster than others? What’t the secret? We’ll answer to these questions with these 10 keys we consider essential in your job search.
1. Sign in for a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn, the most important professional network with more than 200 million members and keeps growing, is also one of the most popular social networks that allow users to connect with employers and companies. Forbes Magazine realizes an annual report where it ranks the 25 fastest technology companies and, this year, LinkedIn took the first position with revenues up to 80 percent over the last year. It is more a software company, than a social network, but it is an important tool to guide you and connect with valuable persons.
2. Invest your time in networking
More than an idea, this is a very essential thing to do while searching for a new job. Networking, networking and networking again. Ask your friends, your family or anyone else who knows something about an opening you’re interested about. Check out all those free events, such as conferences or seminars where you can go and interact with new people. Who knows what persons will be there? Make use of all your connections to find and meet the right persons who have the authority to hire someone with your skills.
3. Know your strengths and weaknesses
Here’s a good idea to remember while doing your research for the job. There’s no employer out there that need someone with an inappropriate attitude. Know yourself very well, put your strengths and weaknesses in balance and think of what you have to offer. Be confident and positive about your skills and try to find those employers who want them. Maybe a list with the desired companies and workplaces is a good exercise for you.
4. Expand your abilities
This is the moment when you need to use your analytic thinking and find solutions to your problem. Can’t find a job in your area? Maybe you’re not completely qualified for those jobs or the lack of experience is definitely a disqualified element for your hiring. The best thing to do is expand your abilities in other domains. For instance, use your attention for details or accountability skills in an area that will allow you to achieve that much-wanted job. The experience will surely be a plus for your background and this new perspective may help you in your job search.
5. Update your online resume
Since your actively looking for a new career opportunity, it means your online profile on different social networks is up-to-date. Upload a professional photo, fill in all your professional experience by mentioning about courses, seminaries or any other activity. How you are seriously engaged in a job searching, of you haven’t updated your online resume, which is part of your personal branding. And there are more than 10 reasons why you should bother to invest in a personal brand and how much will count in your searching.
6. Do your research while looking for new jobs
With so many online resources available, you can find lots of websites out there, because everyone has a website these days. Therefore, it is recommended to look up the companies you are applying or sending your resume. See their mission, value or activity area, their products, which clients they are working with and any other useful information found on the website.
7. Don’t be discouraged by negative feedback
Trust me, I’ve been there. You’ll get more than one negative feedback or, sadly, no feedback from the employer. It’s not necessarily a problem with you, but this is a general problem, knowing the high number of applications received by recruiters. Your job is to continue looking, stay positive, until you’ll find a compatible job with your skills and expertise. A positive attitude will be extremely helpful thorough this long, stressful yet annoying process in searching for a job. You can associate it with an extreme sport and the lesson is: never give up, so continue your fight/job search.
8. Be honest
This isn’t just an idea, it’s a recommendation for a successful job search. You’ll be surprised how many good things can happen for you, as long as you’ll be honest about yourself or your resume. With a simple click on Google, every employer can look and find a bunch of information about your work history, where you live, what have you posted on Facebook or Twitter and more. Being sincere about your experience and skills will be appreciated by any employer.
9. Be clear about your professional goals
Every employer or recruiter likes to meet determined and enthusiastic persons who know what they want, so stay focus on what you want and confident you’ll find a way. Let the past behind with all your mistakes and focus on the present day, worrying less about the future. Be clear on what you want from your career, but try to be realistic about your goals. We are living hard times, so it’s important to have a job that support all your bills.
10. Continue to invest in your education
So what if you don’t have a job? Don’t make a drama of it and focus on what you can do with your time. Think of your free time and how you can use it to learn something new by attending a free online course or webcast in your area. As long as you are between jobs, looking for a new career path, why not invest in your education by seeking additional certifications to your experience and resume. It will show that you are a motivated and determined candidate who doesn’t give up easily.
Obviously, there are more than 10 useful ideas to help you be more successful in your job search, but we have tried to sum up only the most important and essentials.