Job Search

Today’s job market is evolving rapidly, and career seekers need to be much more aware of varying elements of a well-planned job search. In addition, more and more job opportunities are hidden from the traditional, formal market, requiring individuals to become much more proactive and involved in networking, and making sure that personal details are registered with those working behind the scenes to match people into job roles. This can be made a lot easier with access to the internet, and through the explosion of social media.

Approaching the formal market essentially involves applying for an existing, posted position. Keep in mind that although reactive approaches are likely to be less productive than proactive approaches, it is worthwhile responding to published positions if the position advertised appeals to you and you closely match the stated requirements.

Finding Job Advertisements

Traditionally the first place to look for job advertisements has been the employment sections of newspapers. While newspapers carry a large number of job ads, increasingly other sources are being used by employers to reach the market.

Newspapers Print Editions

Clearly, the mainstream press offers a large number of ads every week. Daily newspapers as well as daily national newspapers advertise thousands of jobs every week. Local/regional newspapers shouldn’t be overlooked, particularly if you want to obtain a job in your local area.

Newspapers On-Line

Major newspapers often advertise their vacancies on the web. Consequently many major newspapers now have websites where you can access the full text of all employment classified advertisements free of charge. The benefit to you is that most newspaper web sites have a search facility that allows you to specify the type of job you want, the geographic location and salary range.

Recruiters On-Line

Just as major media publications have realised that the web is a fast and cost-effective way of reaching the market, so have recruiters. Many recruitment agencies have web sites. In our experience the web site is often part of their marketing strategy to raise their profile rather than a comprehensive collection of all positions that they have available.

Companies On-Line

It is increasingly common practice for the larger corporations to have links to career opportunities. The career opportunities can be for recent graduates as well as a listing of current openings. We do, however, suggest that this is a source which you monitor if you are interested in a position with a particular company.

Some Job Board Websites:

www.jobsite.co.uk                                            www.totaljobs.co.uk

www.monster.co.uk                                         www.fish4jobs.co.uk   

www.careerchain.org.uk                                 www.jobsearch.co.uk

www.supplychainrecruit.com                           www.alljobs.uk.com

www.engineeringjobs.co.uk                           www.justengineers.net

 

You can register your CV / key skills with some of these websites. Guides will be provided in the resource centres to support interested parties.

 

Bulletin Boards/News Groups On-Line

The web offers the facility for members of the public to post notices on bulletin boards. In most geographic areas there are employment bulletin boards or news groups.

Job Centres

As well as responding to job advertisements in the paper, many job centres have websites. These websites vary in quality and usefulness. Some are updated infrequently and continue to list jobs that are already filled. Others list a wide range of current positions. Some job centres accept applications on-line and most will accept e-mailed applications.

Trade and Professional Association/Journals

Your relevant trade/professional association may keep job listings or advertise in a journal.

Responding to Advertisements

Most advertisements for desirable positions draw many responses. Realistically, just to survive the first screening, you must meet most of the criteria outlined and be able to demonstrate how well you meet them, both in your CV and your application letter.

Application Letters

You should normally send a letter accompanying whatever sort of application you make. If you have completed a detailed application form that included a lengthy personal statement this need only be a short covering letter.

For any advice on job search email peter@russell-taylor.co.uk