Just a little bit more…

Here are a few handy job hunting tips that I have picked up in recent months, some of which may seem a little surprising at first!

Networking

• Never underestimate the importance of your online profile and online networking – online networking is today as important as offline so create and work at your online profile to make yourself really stand out:

1. LinkedIn is a great way to not only market yourself online but make and keep contacts and hunt for jobs. For advice on how to build a great LinkedIn profile and use LinkedIn and facebook to find a job see http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/26-tips-to-enhance-your-experience-on-linkedin/ and http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/10-tips-for-finding-a-job-using-facebook-and-linkedin/
2. Write articles for online sites in your industry, start your own blog and comment on other blogs
3. Sign up to Twitter – you can use this to publicise your blogs, comment on or broadcast interesting articles and posts by others and make valuable connections

• Think of others rather than yourself when networking: offer your services without expecting anything in return; match up the skills of friends and colleagues to create great partnerships and; at networking events be friendly and talk to as many people as possible, you never know who you will meet or when you may need their skills in the future.  This may not seem like the most obvious networking strategy nor the most personally helpful, but by assisting others and showing generosity and willing you will be remembered favourably by all those you meet and will be the first point of call if they seek your skill set in future

Application

• Present your cv or cover letter in creative ways to make your application stand out and leave a mark on the reader, you could include chocolate or present your application in person
• Persist with your application after it has been sent: follow up with a phone call or visit the organisation in person
• Don’t be afraid to use contacts, even those that may seem tenuous: think of who you can draw upon in the organisation you are applying to or who you know within that sector.  Use them to find out who exactly deals with applications or heads the department you seek to work in, contact this person directly or ask your contact to put in a good word.
• For more creative ways to get a job see: http://www.thebiggerexperience.com/blog/?p=357

 

 

Graduates, act professional!

If you are a graduate and you are looking for a job, one of the most important aspects in your job hunt is to leave your details with all the potential employers or new people in your professional network.  If you’re wondering how do you do that, having a business card is the right answer. Most graduates consider that having a business card is only for people who are working. This perception is completely wrong. A business card can be a powerful marketing tool in your job hunt, even as unemployed. Just think about how many times were you asked for contact details either it was a networking event, a job fair or even a party you attended.

A business will make you look professional and it will definitely make you stand out from the crowd! And it’s an easy way to make a powerful first impression in a networking situation, while ensuring that your personal details are conveyed accurately and efficiently to the people that count.

Psychologically, business cards have another big advantage. Once handed to a recruiter, it’s almost impossible for them to avoid returning the favour. Soon, you’ll soon find that the more cards you hand out, the more you get back. From this, your network will grow – and all because of a simple piece of white card.

Business cards don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. All that’s needed is a plain piece of card and on it, your name, address, email, and phone number. If you are not working, including your home address is completely optional, but do make sure that your business card has a simple design and appearance, as it can say a lot about you.  After you decide on a design, get lots of copies made and don’t forget to always carry a couple of them with you, as you never know when a networking situation may arise.