10 Smarter Ways to Find a Job
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or someone who’s been in the job market for years – job hunting is tough. Have you tried rethinking your approach to finding a job?
There’s no denying it – searching for jobs really is a full-time job in itself and, alas, it doesn’t get much easier as you get older.
Feeling a bit like you’re going round in circles and getting nowhere with it? Sometimes, it can be helpful to take a step back and really think about your approach before bashing out the job applications.
Taking a different angle can give you a fresh boost of confidence if you’re feeling in a rut, and hopefully find you that job opportunity you are searching for.
10 steps for finding a job
To get you started on your whole new, smarter approach to job hunting, here are 10 tips that you may never have thought of when attempting to nail that student or graduate job application.
1. Try online networking
Get plugged into career networking sites like LinkedIn. You might think this is a step ahead of yourself if you’re still studying, but it actually looks great to employers if you’re already keen to know what’s going on in the job market before you’ve even graduated. Join discussion groups for industries you’re interested in and start your social network to keep in the loop for the latest job offers.
2. Talk to friends and family
Staff referral is one of the most popular methods used for recruitment by employers, as companies often prefer to hire someone who their trusted employees can vouch for.Take advantage of this by asking around friends and family who work in industries you’d like to explore. This can often result in you finding out about vacancies before the competition does, and instantly puts you at an advantage if someone can recommend you.
3. Go beyond job listings
Sometimes sticking to job listings isn’t the best way to move forward. Focusing on specific companies rather than vacancies can work in your favor, as when you move on to the application process, you’ll already have an interest in the company. That should shine through in what you say, as opposed to just submitting an application because there’s a job up for grabs.
4. Expand your search (and your mind)
Particularly thanks to technology, the job market is constantly evolving at such a pace that there are heaps of jobs out there that you’ve probably never even heard of – and that didn’t exist back when you were speaking to your careers counselor at school.
For example, do you know what a UX designer is? How about a Content Marketer, a Backend Developer, or a Growth Hacker? It’s worth putting some research into this, as you might find that once you get past the unfamiliar names, these are roles you’d be interested in trying out.
5. Be confident and personable
As we mentioned earlier, how you handle the application process will give potential employers an idea of the kind of worker you are.
For example, someone who takes initiative by emailing a senior member of staff to ask for a coffee will give off a much more positive, go-getter impression than someone who just sends in a flat CV and copy/pasted cover letter.
However, make sure that if you go for this option, you do some serious research about the company before you make your move. You don’t want to be caught out as not really understanding who the company is and what they do, as it would make all your effort go to nothing.
6. Work for your university
There are hundreds of part-time jobs on campus for students, including bar work, events work, admin jobs, and giving guided tours to prospective students. With decent pay and hours (as well as usually being quite close to your dorm room and your lecture theatres), these jobs are gold dust. It also helps that the university already knows you, so are likely to be able to provide a glowing reference when you look for work after uni. Our advice would be to apply early, as these jobs tend to disappear quickly.
7. Try an internship
This is a particularly good option if you’re taking our suggestion from tip number four on board and trying out some unchartered territory within the job market. If a position is unfamiliar, it’s important you get a chance to try it out before you decide if it’s for you. At Save the Student, we’re against unpaid internships as we’re of the belief that no one should have to work for free but use your own judgment on this one.
8. Try a recruitment agency
Finding work through a recruitment agency can be a good choice, particularly if you find the whole idea of selling yourself particularly tough – recruiters are paid to do that bit for you.
Recruitment agencies regularly and actively search for work on your behalf, so this, of course, can lighten the burden a bit if you’re finding trawling for jobs particularly tiresome, and it can bag you a job quicker than expected.
However, while there are big positives, do be aware that temp work sourced by recruitment agencies can often involve a whole lot of licking envelopes for minimum wage, and nothing more inspiring.
8. Check out careers fairs
Careers and graduate fairs aren’t just about the freebies (although these are always a welcome perk!).
These fairs are a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk directly to big-time employers and recruiters. Remember, they’ve paid for the stall they’re standing at for the sole purpose of speaking to job-seekers like you, so take advantage of being in this rare position.
Make the most of the opportunity to network and be informed about application processes and chances.
9. Become your own boss
Many students and graduates often feel discouraged from starting their own business due to risk or the lack of security it offers.
Although becoming your own boss can seem like a scary move, if you have a big idea and the motivation to push it then this could be the smartest move you ever make.
Our Head Honcho, Owen, began Save the Student as his own business venture while he was still studying for his Geography degree and never looked back (you can read more about Save the Student’s story if you’re interested).
