How to . . . Find a job

MANY young people are about to attempt to enter the working world, so it is worth getting to grips with the mechanics of looking for a job.

Although technological advances have changed much about our working lives, some things have remained the same — the fact that 80% of jobs are not advertised, for example.

So, says Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, jobseekers need to be strategic when looking for work.

“Keep an eye on relevant media such as online job portals and career newspapers to be informed about the 20% of jobs advertised in this way,” she says. Other tips are:

“Knowing how to read a job advert, interpret the sought-after skills and experience, and discern whether you are qualified for the position is the first step to successfully using this job-hunting method;”

Do not apply for jobs you are not equipped to do — otherwise you will be wasting “your valuable time”;

Online networking and social media sites are by far the fastest-growing resources for job hunters. Employers use sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to recruit new people. But beware. “Employers also use these sites to do research on possible candidates, so it is vital that your online presence is professional, up-to-date and above criticism”;

Whom you know can make all the difference. Tell as many people — both online and in person — that you are looking for a job. Ask connections you have on sites such as LinkedIn to endorse your skills, for example; and

Find the right resources to help you stay up to date in your industry. Do research on professional organisations, trade publications and journals, set Google alerts, engage on social media platforms and follow industry spokesmen on Twitter. — Margaret Harris