Job hunting

SPM1959

Have to start tomorrow. Was wondering how long people spend each day searching for jobs when they are unemployed? I aim to get up early and make a start.

Also, what are the best websites to use and recruitment agencies to register with? Have had hit and miss experiences in the past.

Thanks.

rhapsody

I've been looking for a while, so I'm not sure if my method is the best! I generally search jobs.ie, irishjobs.ie, fas.ie, recruitmentireland.com, indeed.ie, other sites more specific to my field, and other sites for specific businesses. Any jobs I'm interested in, I copy the job spec & link to a word doc. After I've done that trawl (possibly later that day/ a few days later, depending on what else I'm doing & the closing date) I go over the spec in detail, research the company if possible, and write an appropriate cover letter & tweak my CV. I usually leave it another day after that and go over it again, then apply.

I haven't registered with any recruitment agencies, but I'm thinking about looking for some temping work to keep me going in the next while. I generally spend about two hours at a time on this, every day/ second day.

Good luck with your search

jos28

I'm more or less doing the same as Rhapsody. I find the afternoons better for trawling the sites. A lot of them don't seem to be updated until later in the day.
I also register expressions of interest with companies I'd like to work for. I've cyber stalked the HR manager in 2 particular places and followed up with phone calls.
Haven't had much luck with recruitment agencies and those who did contact me tend to be quite unprofessional - not returning calls, promising interviews that never happen etc.
I've recently completed a Jobnet programme where we received tons of practical advice from very high calibre recruiters. The main points include:

• Making sure you tailor your CV for each application - find the key points and make sure they are mentioned in your CV/cover letter.
• Get your Linkedin profile up to date and don't just hit the make connections button. If you want to connect with someone, send a couple of lines explaining what you are looking for.
• USE your contacts, think of friends, family, colleagues that might know of someone in the areas you are looking at. I've made great connections that way and was very surprised at the responses I got. I'm hoping for 2 interviews from people I met through contacts.

PS If you are sending in speculative CVs make sure you follow up with a phone call.

SPM1959

Really don't know what is wrong with me but finding it really hard to motivate myself for job hunting.

jos28

There's nothing wrong with you. Job hunting is horrible so it's no wonder you're not motivated. I've found that I have to keep kicking myself in the ar*e to keep going. I find it better to sit at a desk and approach the search as if it was a task in an office situation. No job searching from the couch ! The biggest problem I've found is trying to keep my confidence levels up. A couple of rejections can really get to you. Keep telling yourself that you have valuable experience.
You don't have to take on the world tomorrow, just make a start. I keep a desk diary and set myself a couple of tasks each day. Nothing major, it could be to edit my CV/ Linkedin profile, send a couple of emails or find ONE job to apply for.
Remember to get up early, don't sit round in your pj's all day. Get outside, meet people for coffee, get some exercise. Stay positive, it's the beginning of a new year. Companies have new budgets, they may need to replace people who left at Christmas, the public service moratorium is over. Things are looking up !!

SPM1959

Thanks for this. I finished my previous role in December and took a few weeks off. Thinking I would be highly motivated in the new year to 'relaunch' my career. But I'm far from it.

Will start fresh in the morning!

jos28

Small steps
Just get your CV sorted tomorrow then go off and do something nice !

SPM1959

Tomorrow's plan:
- update CV with previous role details
- update LinkedIn profile
- contact a couple of ex-colleagues to tell them I'm job hunting
- apply for two jobs minimum

It's a start!