Or let it find you
After a quick ask around of peers and colleagues, it was revealed that job boards are not the only, nor the the most common, way to find new job opportunities or steps in their career. Yet, job boards are still where many job seekers focus their time and energy. Although job boards still hold an important place in your job search, there are other effective and broader ways to land your next position.
1. Update your LinkedIn profile
With over 10 million users in Australia, updating your LinkedIn is an effective way to secure your next role. To make the most of your profile, include a professional headshot to create the right first impression. Recruiters use keywords when searching for prospective candidates on LinkedIn, so ensure you include keywords associated with target roles on your profile. Post content regularly that highlights your professional expertise, rather than content that makes you look like a professional job seeker. Remember to boost your profile further by building as many relevant professional connections as you can. This increases who can see your profile – and importantly, reach out with opportunities.
2. Update your SEEK profile
Update your SEEK profile to help registered employers find you. You can set your profile visibility so they can also view your resume. The job classification and sub-classification you select (such as IT and Management or Developers/Programmers) will help prospective employers contact you with the right opportunities. If you are sharing your CV, keywords are important.
3. Create job alerts
Take charge by creating job alerts with organisations you would like to work for. This ensures you are first to know about newly advertised roles. You can also create job alerts with job boards. Don’t forget to consider niche job boards such as ethical jobs. Creating job alerts is a great way to take the search out of job hunting and let the work find you.
4. Look at other social media platforms
Facebook has groups you can join to engage with others in similar professions. Members often post about #JobOpportunities. Higher engagement increases your chance of being contacted about jobs. Instagram allows you to follow your favourite brands. You’ll know when jobs come up while learning about their products and culture. These platforms allow you to show your personality, but remember prospective employers can see what you share. You can also search for jobs using hashtags, e.g., #ITjobs or #Developerjobs.
5. Build personal and professional connections
Technology increasingly supports job seekers to find work. Yet human connection remains one of the most effective ways to find work. So, make time to get to know what others do and share what you do. Finding work through word of mouth is a trend that will never go away. Part of building your professional networks is selecting the right recruitment agency to partner with. With over 200 Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating (out of 5), Clicks is trusted by job seekers across Australia.
6. Network, network, network.
Your network is always larger than you think. Start by reaching out to your family and friends. Next, consider the people in groups, clubs, or communities you are part of. This might include your neighbours, mother’s group, badminton team, or parents you see at school drop-offs. Ask questions and broaden your network by finding out who of their connections you can reach out to else you can speak to. The key to successful networking is to be authentic and give as much as you take. Whether it’s knowledge, ideas, help, or genuine interest in their work, you have something to offer. It takes time to build long-term relationships and every relationship is a networking opportunity.
7. Get referred
If you know someone at an organisation that you would like to work for, ask them to refer you. Often, employee-referred applications are prioritised. Your referrer can provide insider knowledge that’ll help you better determine if the company is a good fit for you and understand the recruitment process. In most cases, the person who refers you will receive a referral bonus if you get the job, so it’s a win-win!
8. Volunteer
Volunteering offers the benefits of gaining experience and networks. This is particularly helpful if you are looking to enter a new industry. Volunteering lets you test the waters or build on what you know if you’ve already made the change. There’s also the benefit of doing good for others and the community. There are volunteer organisations that have opportunities at a local, state, and national level.
9. Join professional associations
Professional associations provide a great opportunity to network and build connections. Besides events, the resources and insights available will boost your employability. Some also advertise job opportunities.
10. Register with recruitment agencies
Registering your CV and ideal role with recruitment agencies allows recruiters to contact you with the latest opportunities. Clicks specialises in IT recruitment and are on over 80 Preferred Supplier Agreements. We can provide feedback on your resume and insights on market trends. As we get paid when we find you work, it’s in our best interest to help you. We update our hot jobs regularly so make sure to take a look! We also offer a fantastic referral program that can earn you $500 for every great person you send our way.
For advice on other job-seeking topics, check out the resources we’ve put together to help you land your next role. If you are on the market for your next IT opportunity, register with Clicks.
