Job Searching

Index

1. The three main routes to finding a job

2. Making the most of your network

3. Working with recruiters

4. Conducting an effective job search

5. Using Google Jobs and its advantages

6. Using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to enhance your job search

7. Researching jobs and companies

8. Getting found on LinkedIn by recruiters

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1. The three main Routes to finding a job

When searching for a job, there are three primary routes you can use:

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• Direct search: Applying to advertised roles on job boards, company websites, or through Google Jobs. This is the most common method and allows you to target roles directly. Ideally always apply on a companies website rather than through a recruiters site.

• Working with recruiters: Recruitment agencies and headhunters act as intermediaries between job seekers and employers. They can provide access to exclusive opportunities and help streamline your search.

• Using your network: Many roles are never advertised publicly. Tapping into your personal and professional network can uncover opportunities through referrals, recommendations, and introductions.

To maximise your success, use all three routes in a balanced and proactive way.

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2. Making the most of your network

• Let people know you’re looking: Reach out to former colleagues, managers, mentors, friends, and family. Be clear about the kind of role and industry you’re targeting.​

• Optimise LinkedIn: Update your profile to clearly showcase your skills, experience, and aspirations. You could make your “Open to Work” status visible so your connections know you’re available. At the very least you can change your settings to show you are immediately available and so that Recruiters can find you.

• Engage with your network: Comment on others’ posts, share relevant articles, and offer helpful insights. Regular activity keeps you visible and positions you as someone knowledgeable in your field.

• Reconnect thoughtfully: Reach out to old contacts with a genuine reason—acknowledge their achievements or ask for advice. People are usually happy to help when approached respectfully and directly.

• Attend networking events: Look for industry-specific events, webinars, or local meet-ups to connect with professionals face-to-face. These can often lead to hidden opportunities.

• See Networking Tips & Benefits resource.

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3. Working with recruiters

• Find the right recruiters: Identify recruitment agencies and consultants who specialise in your field or industry. Research their reputation and reach out to them.

• Build a strong relationship: Keep communication professional, clear, and proactive. Provide regular updates about your availability and preferences without being too pushy.

• Tailor your applications: When a recruiter suggests a role, take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter. They’ll appreciate your effort and professionalism.

• Be transparent: If you’re interviewing elsewhere or have time constraints, let them know. Honesty builds trust and avoids wasted time on either side.

• Follow up respectfully: If you haven’t heard back after an introduction, send a polite email or LinkedIn message as a reminder.

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4. Conducting an effective job search

• Be specific in your search: Use targeted job titles and relevant keywords on job boards like LinkedIn, TotalJobs, Reed, and Indeed. For example:​

• Set up job alerts: Use filters to create job alerts that match your preferences for location, salary, job type, and industry. This saves time and ensures you don’t miss opportunities.

• Direct applications: Go straight to the careers page of companies you admire and check for vacancies. This avoids competition from mass job board applicants.

• Hidden job market: Remember that many roles aren’t advertised. Reach out to hiring managers or decision-makers directly on LinkedIn or via email to express your interest.

• Track your progress: Use a spreadsheet to record applications, key contacts, dates, and follow-up actions. This helps you stay organised and motivated.

• Refresh your CV and cover letter: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application. Use the job description to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.

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5. Using Google Jobs and its advantages

Google Jobs is an excellent tool for gaining a comprehensive overview of available roles across multiple job boards and company websites. Here’s how to use it effectively:

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What it does:

Google aggregates job postings from a range of platforms, including LinkedIn, Reed, Glassdoor, TotalJobs, and direct employer sites, offering a whole market view of available opportunities.

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How to use it:

Search for your desired job title and location (e.g., “Digital Marketing Manager jobs in London”).

Use filters to refine your search by location, salary, company, and job type (e.g., full-time, part-time, remote).

Save roles directly to your Google account or set alerts to receive new postings via email.

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Advantages:

Time-Saving: It eliminates the need to visit multiple job boards individually.

Comprehensive: Google displays roles from a wide range of sources, including direct employer listings that may not appear on traditional platforms.

Easy to Track: Saving job links helps you organise applications and follow up more effectively.

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6. Using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to enhance your job search

AI tools can significantly improve your job search efficiency, research, and preparation. Here’s how to use them effectively:

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• Identifying the right recruiters: Use AI to help you find recruiters or agencies specialising in your industry. Example prompt: “List 10 recruitment agencies that cover the London area that specialise in marketing management roles.”

• Tailoring your CV and cover letters: AI can help refine your CV or cover letter to better match specific job descriptions. Example prompt: “Rewrite this cover letter to emphasise leadership and project management skills.”

• Interview preparation: Practice answering common interview questions using AI as a mock interviewer. Example: “Ask me competency-based interview questions for a finance manager role.”

• Company research: Use AI to summarise key information about companies, including their values, recent news, or hiring trends. Example: “Summarise the company culture, recent achievements, and challenges at [company name].”

• Role insights: If you’re exploring a new field, AI can provide insights into role requirements, career progression, and salary expectations. Example: “What are the core skills and responsibilities of a project manager in the renewable energy sector?”

By integrating AI into your search, you can save time, personalise applications, and approach interviews with greater confidence. (See Chat GPT: Work Smarter resource).

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7. Researching jobs and companies

Thorough research ensures you target roles and employers that align with your goals while preparing effectively for applications and interviews. Here’s how to approach it:

Researching job roles

• Job descriptions: Analyse job adverts for common responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. This helps you tailor your CV and identify areas for upskilling.

• Industry reports: Research trends and skills in demand within your sector through websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or professional associations.

• Day-in-the-life insights: Use platforms like YouTube, blogs, or AI tools to understand what specific roles involve on a day-to-day basis.

Researching Companies

• Company websites: Visit the careers page, “About Us” section, and news or blog updates to understand their values, culture, and recent achievements.

• Glassdoor and Indeed: Read employee reviews to gain insights into company culture, leadership, and workplace satisfaction.

• LinkedIn: Review the company’s profile and recent posts. Look at employees in similar roles to see their backgrounds and career paths.

• News and press: Check for recent developments, such as company growth, acquisitions, or challenges.

• Competitors: Identify key competitors to explore additional job opportunities and better understand the market landscape.

Why research matters

• It helps you tailor applications to the company’s needs and culture.

• You’ll stand out during interviews by demonstrating a strong understanding of the organisation.

• You can make more informed decisions about whether a company aligns with your career goals and values.

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To maximise your chances of success, be intentional about where and how you focus your efforts.

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• Identify the sectors, companies, and roles that align with your experience, skills, and interests.

• Prioritise quality applications over quantity.

• Spend time researching company culture, mission, and recent developments.

• Use LinkedIn and company websites to understand where opportunities may lie.​

• Create a list of your top 20 companies.

• Set aside time to customise applications for these organisations.

• Look for industry insights, news, and changes to identify potential growth areas.

• Add all of this to your "to do" lists.

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​​​​8. Getting found on LinkedIn by recruiters

As you will have found in our Job Searching section, having an optimised LinkedIn profile cannot be overstated. In the context of your job search AND more specifically, being found by recruiters, it's imperative. Click HERE to watch a very useful video to get a better idea on how recruiters can find your profile.

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