What's the best path to finding a new job?
For most of us, the whole process of looking for another job can seem just too hard, so we stay put! However, if you know how to approach the task, it doesn't take too much effort and you'll be rewarded with an exiting new role! So, how do you go about it?...
Your CV......
Any job search process starts with updating your CV. The information should be up to date, free of spelling/grammatical errors and easy to read. Bullet points are good, but make sure you still highlight key achievements and experience that's relevant to the role you're applying for - so yes, that does mean your CV should be modified for each application!
LinkedIn Profile....
If you don't have one or your profile is basic, you need to set one up or update it! Recruiters (from both agencies and companies) use LinkedIn on a regular basis to search for potential candidates and will contact you if they see the skills and experience they're looking for. This means that providing job titles without supporting details, could limit you being found in a search, so ensure you have a professional but friendly up to date photo, a succinct summary paragraph in your introduction information and some key details under each role. The final check is to make sure the information and employment dates are consistent with all your CV or profile documents.
Once your profile is complete, try and connect with as many industry relevant people as possible and follow organisations or groups that you're interested in so that you can keep up to date with what's happening in your market sector.
Seek & Trade Me Profiles....
As with LinkedIn, it's important to create or update your profiles on both these sites. https://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs/profiles/start or www.seek.co.nz home page so that you can be found in searches by recruiters and/or HR Managers.
Where to look/Who to contact?
Job boards are good places to start and you can refine your search to ensure you're looking at relevant roles.
Recruitment agencies - research which ones are most relevant to you. Some are "generalist" which means they cover a large range of roles in many industries and others are "specialist", so work in particular industry sectors and on particular roles. If you're unsure who to approach, talk to friends and colleagues to get recommendations or look on Seek and Trade Me to see who's advertising and then check out their websites.
Company websites - most organisations have a Careers Page where they list their vacancies or allow you to upload a CV if there isn't a role immediately available.
Specialist Recruitment Consultants - get recommendations or find a recruiter that you feel has the knowledge and expertise to help you in your search. This is particularly important if you're not a "round peg" i.e you can easily fit a new job (think accountant, secretary, software engineer). Connecting with a recruiter that will look outside the square to find you a suitable new role can make all the difference between feeling satisfied or disillusioned at the end of your search.
Finally, get some professional help to put together or review your "Profile" or want some tips on interviewing once you've got to that stage.