There are six main channels to finding your next job: advertised vacancies; the internet; recruitment agencies; networking; recruitment fairs; speculative approaches direct to employers. The relative importance of each channel will vary depending on your market sector and level of experience, but most people will need to use a combination of each of these to maximise exposure and success.
Advertised Vacancies
Find out where the types of jobs you want are advertised. The major regional / national newspapers are a good starting point – most publish an appointments diary. In addition, look at all relevant trade / professional journals too as many carry vacancies which may not be advertised elsewhere. Consult a media directory (find them in your local reference library) which list publications under classified index.
Internet
There are literally thousands of job sites on the internet carrying details of both advertised and non-advertised positions, plus web-based listings of press advertisements. Many can be searched via specific criteria such as job title, location, salary etc.
Recruitment Agencies
There are several types of recruitment agencies:
· Executive Search & Selection Consultants (commonly known as ‘headhunters’) generally work at the senior end of the market, operating on a ‘don’t call us, we’ll call you’ basis. Few appreciate unsolicited CVs, but if you do your research and focus your approach appropriately, it may be worth targeting selected headhunters to help you in your job search. Check out The CV Clinic’s Resources page for a list of the top Headhunters.
· Recruitment Consultants work in the middle section of the market, often specialising in specific industry sectors (accountancy, engineering etc). Many maintain a candidate database so if you have specific experience, send your CV. You can find directories listing recruitment consultants in your local reference library, or you can buy pre-qualified lists from database agencies (look for details in your local Yellow Pages).
· Employment Agencies are usually high-street based and deal mainly with blue-collar, secretarial or specialist jobs (eg nursing, driving etc). Look in the phone book for details of employment agencies in your area.
Networking
Around 60% - 70% of jobs at the middle / senior end of the market are gained through networking. Operating in this ‘unadvertised jobs market’ involves developing leads through a network of contacts, building insider knowledge on possible job opportunities and effecting introductions to key decision-makers. Many people shy away from networking, particularly in relation to job-hunting, but developing and using your contacts is a skill which can be learned to help you maximise your opportunities. Start by brushing up your networking skills (you will find lots of books to help you!) and then develop a contact list including family, friends, colleagues, suppliers, customers…… anybody and everybody who may be able to help or advise you in your job search. Networking is really about creating your own opportunities, so think laterally and build on the knowledge and support of your contacts.
Recruitment Fairs
Traditionally used for graduate recruitment, employers are increasingly using these as a means of reaching individuals at more senior levels too. Look out for notifications of forthcoming forums in the national press or on appropriate web sites (eg your professional association).
Speculative Approaches
Approaching target employers direct works well if you have a special interest in their field or are targeting a specific geographic location. Research is absolutely essential in finding out what sort of skills and people they might need, and then targeting an appropriate approach focusing on what you can contribute to the organisation.
Doctor’s Orders
· Focus on each of the main job search channels and assess each one in relation to your particular sector and level of experience; develop your personal marketing strategy around these channels to ensure you achieve maximum exposure
· Conduct your job search in a planned and methodical way for maximum effectiveness
· Engage the services of a career management professional to help you develop an appropriate personal marketing strategy based on the relevant channels for your target job, and to develop the tools to exploit each channel fully
· Do your homework thoroughly; give yourself the best chance of finding the right job by exploring each of the channels in depth
Tom Hackforth
Principal Consultant
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