JOB HUNTING

Top Tips for Job Hunting

The following list provides examples of the most frequently used job hunting methods. Some are more successful than others and none can be used with absolute certainty. In order to increase the likelihood of finding a job it is advisable to use more than one strategy.

1. Ask for job leads from others such as family, friends, links within your community or educational providers.

2. Directly contact any employer that interests you whether they are advertising a vacancy or not.

3. Use the telephone book or yellow pages to identify subjects or fields that interest you, telephone each of the employers in that field and ask whether they have a vacancy for the type of job that you are looking for.

4. Use the internet to search for job vacancies and / or post your CV on internet sites where employers go to look for suitable employees.

5. Send out copies of your CV together with a covering letter to potential employers (again, whether they are advertising a vacancy or not).

6. Look for and answer advertisements in professional journals or magazines that are relevant for your field of work.

7. Look for and answer advertisements in local and national newspapers.

8. Go to employment agencies to identify possible positions.

Extracts from, Robert Nelson Bolles (2003) What colour is your parachute
A practical manual for job hunters and career changers. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 1-58008-460-5