An Organised Approach to Jobseeking

Finding a job can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but with an organised approach and the right mindset, it is possible to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips and strategies to help you find a job in today's job market.

Treat your Job Search like a Job

Allow a set amount of time each day to focus on your job search and making applications. Even though you may feel like giving up at times, try to persevere. It will eventually pay off. Using the right Cover Letter, CV and an organised approach you will eventually find success.

The more jobs you apply for, the better your chances are. Jobs are like buses, you will be waiting for a while, but then they will all come together.

What to do if you’re not Working

If you are not already working, consider taking on internships or part-time jobs to gain valuable experience and make connections in your desired field. Be open to entry-level positions and be willing to learn and grow on the job. Sometimes, getting your foot in the door is the most important step toward a successful career.

Keeping Logs

Applying for Jobs can get confusing at times. If you're actively applying for many jobs, you can easily lose track. We suggest that you save the Job Descriptions after you apply and keep a log of all the jobs you have applied for. This will help you to keep track and to prepare for interviews later.

Preparation

It’s also never too early to prepare for job interviews, even down to what you’re going to wear. Try on your existing work wear / interview suits. If your clothing doesn’t feel comfortable to wear consider purchasing or sourcing a new outfit. It’s good to have a smart outfit for interviews regardless of what job you’re applying for. If money is tight, check out some of the less expensive stores or also the charity shops. If you tell them you’re looking an outfit for interview, they may even give you a discount.

There are some charities that offer help in this regard too, like workequal.ie, so if you do a google search you might find some organisations near you. Another option is to borrow clothing from friends or family.

On-Line Resources

Use online job search resources. There are many online job search websites and databases that can help you find job openings in your field. Some popular options include JobAlert.ie, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. These sites often allow you to search for jobs by location, industry, and job type, and may also allow you to upload your resume and apply for jobs directly.

JobAlerts

Sign up for Job Alerts with JobAlert.ie and other career pages, it will help to keep you informed when new jobs are added. On our platform it's really easy to set up Job Alerts - you just follow the instructions below;

From the Search Bar HERE just run a search using your preferred keywords, titles, or company name and location and press enter. You will see a list of current vacancies and on the right hand side a little box saying “Turn on alerts for this search”, click the button below to switch an alert on.

You will then be prompted to enter your email address. You can set up many different Job Alerts using various search options if you like.

You will receive an email each time a new job is uploaded matching the criteria you have selected, so you never miss that perfect job. You can unsubscribe from job alerts at any time by clicking the unsubscribe button within the emails or as detailed in our terms and conditions in your account. It's so quick and easy!

Getting Additional Help & Support

Consider seeking the help of a career counsellor or coach. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate the job search process. There are some extremely good free services that you can avail of and Recruitment Agencies can also be a great support. Google “jobseeker supports”, “job centre”, “unemployed supports”, “recruitment agencies” etc and your location and you will find lots of resources. You will also find some really great information HERE

Contact your local Government Job Services, they have a lot of support, training and upskilling opportunities on offer, particularly now following the impact of Covid on certain industries. Read more about this HERE

Be Persistent and Keep Trying

Keep going even though job hunting can be daunting at times. The job search process can be frustrating, and it's common to feel disheartened after receiving rejection emails or letters, and worse still when you hear nothing at all. We've put together some advice on how to bouce back from unsuccessful interviews and what to do next to improve your chances next time HERE

MORE TOPICS

Choosing a Career

Start by identifying your strengths and what you have to offer. Take the time to reflect on your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Consider what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at, as well as what industries or types of jobs may be a good fit for you. 

We have more information about making career choices HERE

Building up your Confidence – when Self Doubt Steps In

In a large survey conducted in Ireland, 51% of Irish workers admitted having ‘a lack of confidence’ when it came to applying for a new job. 42% ‘thought they didn’t have strong enough experience, while 18% ‘stated that they are scared of rejection and failure’. In this section we look at the barriers this presents and how to deal with it - read the full article HERE

No Experience / No Problem

Don’t worry if you are just starting off, we have lots of tips that will help you to land a job HERE. 

Making a Career Change

It’s never too late to make a career change. You will know yourself when the time is right. Maybe you’re dreading Mondays and at times this dread could be consistent throughout the week. Life’s too short – make changes. In this section we look at 7 steps you can take to successfully change your career path. Read more HERE

Have a Professional CV / Resume

Create a strong CV, it should highlight your relevant skills and experiences.  We have devised templates that will help you to do that, but that will also help to get your application through automated screening software applications that some companies use.

It’s also important that you customise your CV for each job application. We have created the following CV resources that will help you do this;

Advice and Tips on Creating a CV – Click Here

Cover Letters

Your cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit.

Always customise cover letters to suit the job you are applying for. It will make you stand out from the crowd and give you the very best chance of being successful.

We have prepared tips and cover letter templates for various different scenarios such as changing your career, coming straight out of college and explaining an employment gap. To find out more CLICK HERE

Perfect Phrases and Key Words for CVs and Interviews

We have prepared perfect phrases and keywords that will help you to build the perfect CV and cover letters. Reading over these phrases will also help you to prepare answers to common interview questions. CLICK HERE

More information on explaining Skills & Competencies in your CV can be found Here

Linkedin

Update and perfect your Linkedin Profile. We have prepared a whole section on how to use Linkedin to your best advantage when looking for a new job. Check out more HERE

Transferable Skills

It’s NOT always possible for recruiters to find candidates that have experience or education in a particular field within the same type of working environment, so many recruiters will consider candidates that have transferable skills.

These are the skills and experience that people have, that with additional training will allow them to successfully work in another role or industry. So basically it will also help recruiters to find suitable staff. Read more HERE

Using your Network & Networking

Network and seek out job leads. Networking is an important part of the job search process, as many jobs are not advertised publicly. Connect with people in your field of interest and ask for recommendations or introductions to potential employers. Attend job fairs, industry events, and career workshops to meet potential employers and learn about new job opportunities.

Check out our section on the importance of Networking and how to do it successfully HERE.

Interviews

When called for interview dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be sure to bring copies of your resume and any other relevant documents.

Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. This is a good opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and highlight any relevant skills or experiences that may have come up during the interview.

Check out our extensive Interview Sections below;

Preparing for Interviews, sample questions and answers included

Second Interviews

Negotiating Salary and Benefits

If you are successful, don't be afraid to negotiate salary and benefits. It's important to have a clear understanding of what you are worth and to advocate for yourself during the hiring process. Here’s some more help on the links below;

Negotiating Salary for a New Job

Negotiating your Salary while in a Job

Trying to Negotiate Flexible Working Arrangements

Now that most people have had a taste of flexible working and working from home, it’s only obvious that some people would like to have some flexibility going forward. In this section we look at how you can successfully negotiate a solution. Read more HERE

10 Behaviours that Lead to Success

In this section we list 10 behaviours that require little talent, yet have a huge impact on your job hunt. So, if you need some more help check these out HERE

To search available jobs CLICK HERE