Careers Advice – A Beginners Guide to Job Seeking Online

February 18, 2012

The days of only finding vacancies at the job centre are long gone. If you’re a “silver surfer” and new to technology, it’s ok not to know what a smart phone or iPad is and you don’t need to be on Facebook but you do need to make the most of the tools technology can provide you with in your job search. We offer you some simple Careers Advice below to help get your job search back on track:

• Always keep a soft (electronic) copy of your updated CV:- More often than not, applications can be submitted via email. Typing up your application form and CV look far more professional than a handwritten document. The days of dropping a paper copy of your resume in to a recruitment agency or potential employer have now been made redundant by email.
• Register and upload your CV on to job boards that advertise the type of jobs you are looking for. Try to get a mix of both generic and specialist websites to ensure your CV and contact details are out in the public domain so people can approach you with potential interviews and job offers. When you set up your profile on each site, it is crucial you complete your name, contact details, level of experience and desired salary accurately. These details are only available to potential employers and recruitment consultants so without knowing this information, how can you expect them to contact you?! These sites often have careers advice sections on them as well.
• Contact Recruitment Agencies:- We don’t advise you register with each and every agency out there, however if you carry out the research and recognise which agencies specialise in the industry you wish to work in, pick up your phone and ask to speak to the relevant consultant. Introduce yourself to them and give them a brief overview as to what you’re looking for (job role, salary and location) and ask if they have any suitable vacancies. They will then refer you to their website to register or ask you to email them your CV (which confirms the need for a soft copy on both occasions) which you should do at your earliest opportunity. I recommend you register with all relevant agencies and keep a note of who you have spoken with, the date and the outcome. It’s always wise to try to meet recruitment consultants for a coffee and a chat as this allows them the opportunity to get to know you as a person and recognise the qualities you can offer a potential employer.
• Don’t forget that just by searching for careers advice on google for example you will find a wealth of information.

Yes, these are only two routes to the job market but they can certainly generate more interest and increase your chances of securing a new position however you don’t need to go through the job seeking alone. For more career advice, contact TCMO, The Career Management Organisation on 0800 009 3141 or check out www.tcmo.co.uk. They specialise in Career Advice and can help you create a new CV, assist you with job boards and recruiters as well as helping you network and taking ownership of your career.