Job Hunting 101 - The Do's and Don'ts Revealed

Posted by AMR Group on 10th March 2022 -

Job searching involves much more than just applying for jobs and hoping for a call-back. In today’s competitive job market, it is crucial to equip yourself with the best tools available to expedite your search.

 

And this is certainly the best time to do so, with vacancy growth surpassing the fall in unemployment in April 2021 – tipping the scales in favour of applicants.

This, coupled with the average application process from start to finish taking just under 28 days, puts job seekers at an advantage during a period of economic uncertainty.

Whether you’re completely new to the working world or are experienced in job seeking, the key to success is knowing where and how to look effectively.

Below, we list the job-hunting dos and don’ts to help you tailor your search, improve the application process and inch you closer to your dream job.

Do…

Set up daily alerts

Dedicating a couple of hours to your application every few days will only limit yourself to a smaller number of vacancies – and you risk missing out on new roles cropping up in between. For effective searching and exposure, you’ll need to job hunt as much as possible. Using daily email alerts will ensure that you’re on top of each job ad.

Use filters

The majority of job sites will include filtering options that allow users to tailor search results to their specific requirements. As well as searching for your preferred job title and location, you should also consider making use of job type, salary and suitability tools, to receive the most bespoke results.

Think outside the box

Searching your desired job title is a fine starting point, but to truly optimise your search, it never hurts to try different phrasing or wording to streamline the results. For instance, using keyword searching to pinpoint roles looking for specific skills, responsibilities or qualifications can land you with a more suitable set of results.

Be specific 

If you wind up with too many irrelevant results, it could be that your search is not specific enough. So, instead of wading through countless emails that aren’t of interest, consider narrowing down your search instead. This could be as simple as adjusting your location, or including a few extra keywords.

Don’t…

Apply for every possible job

It can be tempting to hurriedly apply for numerous jobs to get your foot in the door, but rushed job applications are unlikely to impress an employer, and you might end up applying for unsuitable positions. Instead, you’ll need to take the time to gain a thorough understanding of what each role entails and apply accordingly.

Keep your profile hidden

Sometimes your profile or CV can be hidden on a job site, unbeknownst to you. Unless you have a valid reason for keeping your profile incognito and out of sight from recruiters, it’s always best to leave this box unticked in your privacy settings. This will allow you to get the most coverage possible, and open to all opportunities.

Expect an instant reply

Through the anxiety-inducing applications, it’s important to remember that the recruitment process takes time. If you spend a week job searching and results come up dry, don’t panic. Responses can take up to six weeks to come through and in some instances, even longer. Remain patient and motivated and, most importantly, don’t let a delayed response dampen your spirits.

Tell everyone about it

Social media has transformed our ways of communication for the better, but too much exposure might not work in your favour. Venting your job search frustrations online may seem like a great way to let off steam, but your current and future employers will be able to view your online profiles. Don’t give them a reason to doubt your professionalism. Whether it’s good or bad news, always keep your job search private.

Here at AMR Specialist Property Recruiters, we have a 25-year history of building careers in the property, estate agency, architectural and design sectors. For more information on our services, call us on 0800 244 044 or email us at [email protected]. 

Why not use our job search page to secure your dream job? We also have an interactive map to give you an accurate picture of current vacancies across the UK.

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