BE PREPARED TO MAKE IT WORK

SEEK outlines the modern way jobseekers should look for work

SEARCHING for a new job in 2019 takes a little more than the “see ad, send resume” approach that may have worked in the past.

Jobseekers must undertake a little preparation at each stage of the recruitment process to give themselves the best chance of success. Follow SEEK’s 10-step plan to lay the groundwork and be hired.

1 PUT BUILDING BLOCKS IN PLACE Review the long-term career plan and narrow down the desired role. Look for gaps in the resume and find ways to fill them. Consider voluntary work or a course to further skills and qualifications. Contact referees to alert them they may be contacted, then ensure the resume and cover letter are up-to-date.

2 GET IN THE RIGHT MINDSET Life and careers coach Alex Kingsmill, from consultancy Upstairs, says candidates should keep buoyant during the job search. She advises taking something positive from every part of the job search. Do not let negativity take over.

3 NETWORK Jobs sometimes fall in your lap but it is also important to hunt passionately. Network and make new contacts.

4 SCRUTINISE SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES Do not sabotage the job search by having a profile photo of yourself drinking from a yard glass. Post on topics relevant to the industry to look knowledgeable.

5 CONTACT EMPLOYERS AND RECRUITERS It is worth targeting recruiters and employers who specialise in the field or industry, as well as keeping an eye out for job advertisements for current vacancies.

6 SEND APPLICATIONS Each cover letter and resume should be tailored to the job. Pay attention to detail and make sure to address the selection criteria.

7 PRACTISE FOR INTERVIEWS The best candidates are prepared for any questions thrown at them, such as “what’s your greatest weakness?”. Have some responses to common questions memorised.

8 REFLECT ON INTERVIEWS Do not expect to be successful every time. Ask yourself: “how could I do better?”. Practise improvements for the next interview.

REVIEW 9 OFFERS Some jobseekers are so grateful to receive an offer of work that they say “yes” to the first one they receive.

Instead, consider questions such as “will this job move my career in the right direction?”, “what will my future progression be in the organisation?”, “will I be satisfied?” and “is the remuneration package acceptable?”.

Many workers may just need a job, however if the salary is too low or the work unfulfilling, they will quickly end up in the job search again.

10 TAKE THE JOB If the answers to the questions posed in step 9 are “yes”, accept the job.

THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON SEEK CAREER ADVICE VISIT READYRESETGO.COM.AU FOR MORE INSPIRATION TO START THE YEAR WELL