Tools and Strategies for Effective Job Hunting

It’s always a toss-up between spending time on an application and applying for more jobs. The truth is that many people miss out on securing employment because they simply aren’t able to meet the application deadlines or do not allow sufficient time to submit quality applications.

There are many tools available to help you manage your job-seeking-presence online. Here are some tools and strategies that you can implement to help you through the stressful time that is job hunting.

Strategy #1: Allocate time
One of the hardest things about job hunting is getting started. One of the easiest places to start, however, is by making lists and scheduling time. Allocate time in your calendar to job hunting and make it a part of your routine. The more you practice applying for jobs, the more it will become like second nature. It is important to allocate time to this task to ensure you give yourself the permission to work solely on job hunting, and not do anything else. In addition to allocating time, set targets and goals to help motivate you and keep you on track.

Tool #1: Subscribe to job alerts
Nowadays, all job seeking websites have tools to help you manage your online job-seeking-presence. Subscribing to job alerts is a great way to get the right jobs, that are relevant to you sent straight to your inbox. This will save you time from heading to multiple places to see what is out there. It will also help you stay up-to-date with jobs as they are placed out into the market.

Strategy #2: Create the best online profile possible
Job boards generally allow you to create a 'Job Seeker' or 'Applicant Profile'. This allows you to pre-upload your resume so as soon as you see a job that you like; making it quick and easy to apply for that job. Creating an online profile also allows employers to find you when they are actively searching for the right candidate. To improve the effectiveness of your application, use key words that are common in your Allied Health profession.

Tool #2: Organise your skills
Each application should be adapted to suit the job role and company, which can be a time-consuming process. Make this process easier by organising your skills (e.g. in an excel spreadsheet) so that you can easily link the skills you have with how you demonstrate them and the type of jobs that require these skills.

These steps will help make the job search easier in the midst of a busy schedule. Remember, it's never too early to start the process of finding your next great role! For more information relevant to you, check out the Career Advice section on Career Exchange.

So you missed the job application deadline…Apply for it anyway!

It is closing onto midnight and your eyes are half closed as you mind-numbingly scroll through the endless list of jobs on your favourite job seeking website. Suddenly something catches your eye! Can it be? IT IS! The perfect position that you’ve been dreaming of! You’re filled with excitement as you gloss over the selection criteria: qualifications- check, experience- check, location- check, availability- check. And then you reach the application details and your heart sinks. Closing date... yesterday.

Before you melt into a puddle of disappointment, it’s not the end of the world! The reason why the closing date is there is because the employer will need to start selecting potential candidates at some point and likely have internal processes and systems to adhere to, but they aren’t going to decide who gets the job as soon as the clock ticks over the specific time and date necessarily.

While it is best to get your application in before the specified date it’s important to realise the employer is going to want to hire the candidate who expresses the most interest and enthusiasm with the best job-fit, not whoever waltzes through first. Many human resource managers agree that it’s worth submitting an application even after the deadline. Unless strictly stated that they will not accept applications after the date (e.g. some government departments or large organisations), apply for the job anyway!

Here are some handy tips for applying after the deadline:

Call someone: Definitely get in touch with the contact person or the hiring manager listed on the job ad. Express your genuine interest for the position, and rather than ASK if it’s still okay to send in an application. TELL the person that you are very interested in the role advertised and you would truly appreciate the opportunity to send through an application.

Once you have called ahead, the hiring person is going to be anticipating your application. Send it in as soon as you can. Ensure you thank them for their consideration.

Be honest in the cover letter: They know you’ve applied late, might as well own up to it. Remind the hiring person you’ve already spoken to them; this may even put yourself ahead of other candidates, as it’s much easier to remember a personified applicant over a piece of paper. Tell them that you only discovered the role through a network/colleague past the deadline, or that you were told about the position by a colleague late, or whatever other reason. It is important to be honest and thankful for their time and consideration.

Consider a special delivery: Hand delivering an application may be an effective way to get your foot in the door. Going in person can have many advantages over submitting an application, such as, the opportunity to speak directly to the decision maker, and getting a feel for the organisation you want to work with. And who knows, you might just catch them at a good time and land an on-the-spot interview! Even if they are adamant in keeping to the deadline, you might learn about upcoming job openings. This could give you an advantage over other applicants as you are in a great position to detail your interest right then and there to a potential future employer.

If it’s that particular company or organisation that you love and missed an opportunity with, leave them an application for future openings. They might contact you sooner than you think!

Move on and forward: If you have tried all you can in applying but are still unable to land that dream job, try and view the experience as a positive one.  You have made another contact and are now aware of another organisation to keep an eye on and one to keep in contact with. Use this knowledge to research other similar organisations that may have roles like the one you just missed out on. 

Positive politics - there’s no need to play dirty to win

Everyone has without a doubt endured the ‘just ignore them’ speech when it comes to gossip, but why ignore an inevitable fact of life when you can understand and turn a volatile zone commonly known as ‘workplace politics’ into something positive and beneficial? 

According to research from the American Society for Training and Development, gossip is often work-related, usually focusing on business changes, office intrigue, and people's private lives, and this is consistently on the rise with new technology. Because of this behaviour there is a chance to learn more details about upcoming business changes, network where it counts and then seize opportunities that can aid your career development.

It’s a survival of the fittest and here is a simple and strategic plan to help you master the concept of positive politics.

1)      Map the Political Hierarchy – who really has the power?

To the drawing board! Like any good strategy, you must first map out a plan and in this instance this plan is a social hierarchy (who has the most power and why?)

2)      The social network

Time to gather information about who interacts with who, and what the nature of their relationship is like. Another important aspect is to identify the groups, if any, and where the power and influencers reside.

3)      Develop your own network  

This network should extend in all directions and include peers of all employment status; it may even consist of multiple networks. A good tip to keep in mind is that these relationships should be true; you don’t want people thinking that you are a fake friend.

4)      Utilise your network  

This is where your hard work will pay off! You can use your network to gain access to important information and attract opportunities that can put you ahead of the pack. For example: you may get wind of a possible promotion or job opening. Your network can also be used to improve your reputation, why not let the news that travels about you be good!

5)      Keep your friends close and your ‘frenemies’ closer 

By keeping those who are difficult to get along with close you can easily keep ahead of the pack. However, be careful what information you leak into your social network. Understanding your frenemy’s motives can help you avoid negative politics and maintain a positive network.

6)      Listen, and pilot your behaviour 

All in all, what good is this network unless you can use it to help you achieve your goals? Some essential rules include:

• Don’t say something you’ll regret - be respectful and remember that you are networking, not engaging in pointless chatter
• Rise above personal arguments – getting caught up in arguments just aggravates negative gossip
• Practice positive politics – be a role model, confident and assertive, but not aggressive
• Don’t count on confidentiality

In summary, accept it, develop strategies, observe and learn!